ALBUM REVIEW
18/04/2025 - Welly, Big in the Suburbs
Source: Album Artwork for Welly’s Big in the Suburbs.
Words By Emily Jade Ricalton.
Known for his sarcastic humour and wit, Welly is back with his debut album Big in the Suburbs, and what a first album it is.
Inspired by the mundane aspects of everyday life, such as something as basic as shopping and working, Big in the Suburbs is basically an analysis of British culture. Whether there is celebration or criticism in that, this release is understandably relatable and just totally suited to Welly as a whole.
Kickstarting the album with the opening track, which also happens to be the title track of the 14 song album, Big in the Suburbs is extremely reminiscent of 90s music. Having been compared to bands like Pulp previously, Big in the Suburbs has a sound that is similar to Common People. The track itself is joyful and light-hearted - a true representation of what it’s like to be young, and a little bit lost and living in the United Kingdom currently.
Short and sweet, Home for the Weekend is a snappy track within the album. It comes and it goes, yet it is definitely a standout piece that is defining of Welly’s sound. As the title suggests, the track is about going home for the weekend (quite literally). Once again, the song is so relatable to youth culture. With lyrics, such as ‘With time so short and money so tight, I’ll have to leave before we start to fight’, having such a literal theme to them, you can’t help but like Welly. Understanding, humorous, and so stereotypically British, this album is a satirical hit.
With this, we see this satire move into the tracks Cul-De-Sac, Shopping, and It’s Not Like This In France. With Shopping being the first single released from the album itself, it still holds this iconic theme that has shaped the album - working the same 9-5 everyday, living in a small town in the U.K. and also being of the younger generation. It seems as if we all share the same experiences and I think that’s what makes Big in the Suburbs so special.
Deere John and Roundabout Racehorse are two songs that are definitely standout pieces on the album. Unlike the rest of the album, these tracks have more of a rock sound to them. The guitar is dynamic and quick, and just overall interesting. With Roundabout Racehorse being extremely similar to the early days of The Wombats, these tracks will definitely be fan-pleasers of those who love noughties indie-rock.
Having said this, there is definitely some sort of punk influence on Welly’s sound within this album. With complaints about society to over-the-top and dramatic introductions to songs, Welly has a strong role in the development of modern day punk music. For example, Country Cousins and Soak Up the Culture have a fast-paced drum and vocal that make the tracks similar to the early days of this genre. Experimental and just overall fun, Welly is creating a unique sound for himself that stands out from the current music scene.
Big in the Suburbs is a whirlwind of a debut album. It is chaotic, yet well crafted and totally impressive considering Welly wrote and produced the album all by himself. Some would say he is a bit of a genius, but who knows? If I was you, I’d definitely give this piece a listen so you can decide for yourself. All I know is that he is definitely an artist to watch out for.
Standout Tracks - Roundabout Racehorse, Deere John, Big in the Suburbs
Rating - 5/5
