Review
Bleeds, released in 2025, finds Wednesday evolving their signature blend of indie rock, shoegaze, and country-tinged storytelling into a more expansive, emotionally rich sound. Produced by Alex Farrar, the album introduces what frontwoman Karly Hartzman calls “Wednesday Creek Rock,” marrying Southern gothic lyricism with swirling guitars, atmospheric textures, and propulsive rhythms. The result is an album that feels both intimate and cinematic, capturing the tension between melancholy and resilience.
Tracks like “Elderberry Wine” and “Wound Up Here (By Holdin On)” showcase Hartzman’s vivid storytelling and nuanced vocal delivery, while songs such as “Pick Up That Knife” highlight the band’s ability to shift seamlessly from quiet introspection to noise-infused intensity. The instrumentation is layered and dynamic, with shimmering guitars, subtle pedal steel, and driving percussion providing a cinematic backdrop for Hartzman’s narratives of loss, self-doubt, and perseverance.
Overall, Bleeds is a confident, emotionally resonant album that cements Wednesday’s growth as a band unafraid to expand their sonic palette. It’s a record that rewards repeated listening, balancing storytelling, atmosphere, and raw emotion with remarkable cohesion. - Noah
