Let's Wrestle
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | Wesley Patrick Gonzalez, Mike Hankin (Mike Lightning), Darkus Bishop |
| Defunct | 2015 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Indie rock music |
Let's Wrestle was a London-based English indie rock trio, consisting of Wesley Patrick Gonzalez (vocals, guitar), Mike Lightning (bass), and Louis Scase (drums).
History
The group was established in 2005 by Gonzalez, bassist Mike Hankin (known as Mike Lightning), and drummer Darkus Bishop. Their first 7" single, titled "Song for ABBA Tribute Band," appeared in 2007 under Marquis Cha Cha Records. This initial release attracted attention within the UK music community, including interest from Eddie Argos of Art Brut. Gonzalez’s musical approach was often likened to that of his stepfather, musician Pete Astor.
In 2008, Let's Wrestle secured a deal with Stolen Recordings and issued the EP In Loving Memory Of, followed by their debut album In the Court of the Wrestling Let's in 2009, which was recorded in a basement setting. The album received acclaim for its combination of wit, heartfelt expression, and spirited performance, drawing parallels to bands such as The Fall and early Wedding Present. AllMusic commended the band’s skillful delivery on this first full-length.
Their sophomore album, Nursing Home, produced by Steve Albini, was released on 1 June 2011 through Merge Records.
Following a period of inactivity, the band announced their dissolution in May 2015, culminating with a final concert in London that July.
After the breakup, Wesley Patrick Gonzalez embarked on a solo path, releasing the single Come Through and See Me in November 2015. To support this release, he performed on BBC 6 Music’s Marc Riley show accompanied by a backing ensemble featuring Rose Elinor Dougall and members from Younghusband.
Musical style
The band drew inspiration from artists and groups such as The Beatles, Neil Young, Pavement, Nirvana, Pixies, The Beach Boys, Dinosaur Jr., Buddy Holly, Black Sabbath, Grandaddy, Hüsker Dü, and producer Phil Spector. Their goal was to craft music that retained a raw edge while delivering emotional resonance and encouraging audience participation through sing-alongs and clapping.
Critical reception
NME referred to Let's Wrestle as "a charming, funny and utterly real trio". The publication Drowned in Sound awarded their track "Song For Abba Tribute Record" an 8/10 rating, describing it as a "captivating and cutting" depiction of a troubled character. The BBC's Collective depicted the same song as "the accidental 4am lovechild of eight bottles of £2.99 Merlot and a wheelbarrow full of Cutter’s Choice". Meanwhile, Clash lauded their album Nursing Home for its fusion of "brittle scuzzed-up grunge guitars" alongside "chirpy indie pop recital".
Singles
- "Song For Abba Tribute Record" (2007)
- "I Wont Lie To You" (2007)
- "Let's Wrestle/I'm in Fighting Mode" (2008)
- "We Are The Men You'll Grow to Love Soon" (2009)
- "In Dreams Part II" (2011)
- "If I Keep On Loving You" (2011)
EPs
- In Loving Memory Of... (2008)
- Let's Wrestle Stolen Cover's CDR (2008)
Albums
- In the Court of the Wrestling Let's (2009)
- Nursing Home (2011)
- Let's Wrestle (2014)
External links
- Official website
- Let's Wrestle at Stolen Recordings