"Watusi" is the fourth studio album by British indie rock band The Wedding Present. Released on September 12, 1994, under the Island Records label, the album showcases the band's unique, fast-paced style, marking an evolution in their sound. This is partially due to the record's production by Steve Fisk, an American producer and musician noted for his work with groups like Nirvana and Soundgarden.
The album title, "Watusi," is named after a breed of cattle from Africa, known for their distinctive large horns. The usage of the term also has roots in a dance craze that was popular in the mid-20th century. American audiences, in particular, may be familiar with the "Watusi" as a dance from the early 1960s.
"Watusi" contains an array of guitar pop, which is both pleasingly fiery and subtly textured. The album computerizes many of the band’s long-standing obsessions, resulting in a comely synthesis of punch-drunk indie fervor, pop smarts, and post-rock innovation. Additionally, it includes a single, "Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah," which was a huge hit and a fan favorite. Its commercial success, however, did not match that of the band’s earlier releases.
Overall, the "Watusi" album is an experimental take on the alternative rock genre, as The Wedding Present deviates considerably from the stylistic norms of the era, making it a cherished part of their discography among fans and critics alike.
