Hailing from Manchester, Pale Waves is a four-piece band consisting of Heather Baron-Gracie, Ciara Doran, Hugo Silvani, and Charlie Wood. Their latest album, "Unwanted," boldly embraces themes of defiance and LGBTQ+ representation, delving into darker emotions while maintaining a fresh tone of rebellion. Lead singer Baron-Gracie's direct exploration of her queer identity and drummer Doran's public transition journey have significantly influenced the band's evolution since their 2018 debut, reflecting prominently in the raw intensity of "Unwanted."
With a sound reminiscent of classic pop punk infused with a gritty edge, "Unwanted" boasts 13 tracks that marry the energetic drive of 2000s pop punk with the raw emotion of 90s rock. Drawing inspiration from artists like Garbage, Paramore, and Blondie, Baron-Gracie's vision for Pale Waves is a departure from their indie and synth-pop origins towards a more assertive and alternative direction. Asserting the album's unapologetic nature, Baron-Gracie expresses a desire for Pale Waves to continue evolving towards a bigger, bolder sound that fearlessly confronts listeners.