THE BAD WIRES – WISE CRACKS – SINGLE REVIEW

Manchester’s rock scene has a fierce new contender: THE BAD WIRES. This dynamic three-piece—featuring Danny Waterson on lead vocals and guitar, Ellis Wilson on bass, and Tim Dixon on drums—delivers a high-octane sound infused with bluesy grit and punk energy. With a sonic palette that nods to legends like Jack White, The Black Keys, and The Stooges, while still capturing a distinctly British edge, their debut single Wisecracks is an electrifying introduction.

Wisecracks wastes no time making its presence known. Opening with a snarling, fuzz-laden guitar riff and driving drum beats, the track instantly grabs hold of the listener. Waterson’s raw, distorted vocals add an extra layer of attitude, perfectly complementing the funky bass lines that pulse through the song’s core. And just when you think it can’t get any better, the euphoric guitar solos take centre stage, elevating the track to anthem status.

What sets Wisecracks apart is its ability to feel both familiar and refreshingly original. Seamlessly blending elements of rock and roll, blues, punk, and even a hint of surfy Western twang, The Bad Wires craft a sound that defies easy categorization. It’s a genre-hopping journey that feels cinematic in scope, a quality the band attributes to influences like Lana Del Rey and Arctic Monkeys.

Wisecracks draws inspiration from the gritty storytelling of Tom Waits, infused with a distinct Mancunian perspective. The result is a track that feels both raw and relatable, capturing the band’s unfiltered energy and sharp wit. According to Waterson, “With this tune, we really just wanted a fuzzy, bluesy guitar riff that grabs you by the scruff of the neck and says, ‘I’m here now, listen.’ But we still aimed to keep that surfy Western twang and cinematic vibe.”

Recorded at Airtight Studios in Manchester and produced by Seadna McPhail, Wisecracks boasts a polished yet gritty sound that captures the band’s live energy. Each instrument is given room to shine, yet the track never feels cluttered or overproduced—proof of The Bad Wires’ meticulous approach to their craft.

In a musical landscape often dominated by predictable formulas, The Bad Wires have delivered a debut that feels both timeless and contemporary. With Wisecracks, they’ve set the bar high, and if this track is any indication, we can’t wait to hear what they unleash next. This is a band that demands your attention—and trust us, you’ll be more than happy to give it.

LISTEN TO WISECRACKS HERE NOW