The Lagniappe Sessions :: Wet Tuna

Published on April 5, 2026

Nearly a decade into their sonic trans-dimensional sojourn, Wet Tuna’s latest release, “Vast,” catapults listeners sidelong toward the very heart of the Tunaverse—a vibrant realm where the bass resonates deeply, and the vibes effortlessly flow along that shimmering stretch of good ol’ astral highway. With this installment of the Lagniappe Sessions, the trio of Matt Valentine, Erika Elder, and Jim Bliss presents a dubbed-out Spectrasound love letter, paying homage to the glorious fuzz and scuzz of yesterday’s underground music scene.

In this captivating auditory experience, Wet Tuna navigates a rural glam walking tour of downtown New York City, offering an ever-expanding take on Lou Reed’s iconic classic, “Walk On the Wild Side.” This exploration seamlessly weaves in elements of “Cortez the Killer,” taking a detour that evokes the haze of Daydream-era Sonic Youth. The band also pays tribute to venerable free folk progenitors such as Pearls Before Swine and Sandy Bull, blending these influences into their unique sound.

Perhaps one of the highlights of the session is the band’s glacially resplendent meditation on The Jesus and Mary Chain’s “Just Like Honey,” a rendition that is nothing short of psychoactive. This performance envelops listeners in a rich tapestry of sound that is both reverent to its roots and forward-looking.

With so many wonders unfolding throughout the album, listeners are encouraged to dive in and experience the myriad layers and textures that Wet Tuna masterfully delivers. Exploring their music is an invitation to “touch the sound” and lose oneself in the expansive landscape of the Tunaverse.

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