October 23, 2015
Music

By: Branden Janese
Photography by: Alexander Wagner

CMJ 2015: WET

During the second CMJ show from a double date at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, Wet walked on stage unfazed by the sold-out crowd. A homecoming for the Brooklyn-based band, fresh from a London tour, they reminded the audience where their hip roots were. The stage was flooded with house instruments and left just enough room for drummer Joe Valle, guitarist Marty Sulkow, and lead singer Kelly Zutrau to jam. They were cool in the cozy space, and it was clear the music took priority over comfort. Zutrau paired her signature white skinnies with an oversized, bleach-blotted sweatshirt and eased into her vibe.

Originally from Massachusetts, Wet met at college in New York. After moving around separately, they kept working together via email, and eventually the three settled in Brooklyn and the band was made official. The release of their self-titled EP landed them a gig touring with CHVRCHES, and then in April 2015 the group signed with Columbia Records, and graduated from indie dream team to the mainstream league. Just before the show’s midway point, they performed “Move Me,” a track on Kitty Cash’s mixtape, Love the Free Vol. II. “Call me by my real name/Say my name out loud,” Zutrau sang with a perfect balance of desperation and insistence. The electric drums and sultry vocals intoxicated the audience and it was clear the band had no intentions of losing their independent flair.

In the middle of the show, Zutrau presented two of her friends who were in the audience with postcards she bought for them while overseas but forgot to send out. If that wasn’t cute enough, she also called her sister to the stage to come get a bouquet of white roses. By the time she sang “Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl,” her voice was warmed up and as crisp as the fall night.

Zutrau credits Usher and TLC as influences and there is a swig of soul in her voice, but Wet is more than a synth-pop band. By blending genres like folk and R&B, they’ve created a nontraditional sound unique to them. Closing with “No Lie,” the show was well rounded and chill. It’s clear that Wet will be making waves in pop music for years to come.

By: Branden Janese
Photography by: Alexander Wagner

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