Can a self-portrait be a collage? Can empathy be autobiographical? Whats the point of living if were not trying to understand all the horror and humour that surrounds everything? These are a few of the questions lurking under the bleachers of Wednesdays new album ‘Bleeds’, an intoxicating collection of narrative-heavy Southern rock thatlike many of the most arresting passages from the North Carolina bands highlight reel so farthoughtfully explores the vivid link between curiosity and confession.

‘Bleeds’ is not only the best Wednesday recordits also the most Wednesday record, a patchwork-style triumph of literary allusions and outlaw grit, of place-based poetry and hair-raising noise. Karly Hartzmanfounder, frontwoman, and primary lyricistcredits Wednesdays tightened grasp on their own identity to time spent collaborating on previous albums, plus a tour schedule thats been both rewarding and relentless.