The Wombats Return with Irresistibly Addictive Single “Can’t Say No”
Liverpool indie-pop stalwarts The Wombats are back with “Can’t Say No,” a shimmering, infectious new single that doubles as a meditation on impulsivity and escapism. It’s a fitting paradox: a song about the inability to resist temptation that’s so catchy, you’ll struggle to stop hitting replay.
Believed to be the final release ahead of their upcoming album Oh! The Ocean, due February 14th, “Can’t Say No” sees the trio once again blending existential themes with upbeat energy—a signature move that has defined their evolving sound over the years.
In a recent interview, frontman Matthew “Murph” Murphy called the track his favorite from the new record, describing it as “the three of us playing in a room together—if that room was in space.” He elaborated on the song’s deeper message, reflecting on the self-sabotage that can come from living too much in the moment. “It’s about making choices that don’t benefit my future self and actually cause a lot of problems down the line,” Murph explained. “I never truly learned to live in the moment; I was always living for the moment, like it was going to be my last.”
That sentiment comes through clearly in the lyrics, which balance absurdist humor with darker undertones. Lines like “Let’s go vandalise a hearse / Steal some cash from your mother’s purse / And sign her up for a Ponzi scheme / She’ll be rich in cheap face cream” showcase the band’s knack for marrying sharp wit with philosophical weight.
Musically, the track is a masterclass in melodic layering. Light, playful keys echo the vocal hook, embedding it deeper with each listen. It’s a clever bit of songwriting—turning a pop earworm into something more nuanced and addictive, the kind of track only a seasoned band like The Wombats could pull off. Having earned their first UK No. 1 album with 2022’s Fix Yourself, Not The World, the band continues to push forward, sounding more refined and relevant than ever.
The accompanying music video is a minimalist stroke of genius, featuring Murph being slowly chased by a reversing car, all seen through its rearview camera. It’s absurd, oddly tense, and somehow perfectly captures the spirit of the track.
“Can’t Say No” also reflects Murph’s life in Los Angeles, where a certain kind of chaos and sunshine coexist. The track feels tailor-made for that dissonant setting—a soundtrack for golden-hour cocktails while something quietly implodes in the background. Think: beach bar bliss with a volcano erupting in the distance. That’s the duality The Wombats continue to nail: existential dread with a wink and a dance beat.
The band will be taking this energy on the road this spring, embarking on a major UK and European tour through March and April. Highlights include a huge homecoming show at Liverpool’s On The Waterfront festival on June 19th and a milestone performance at London’s O2 Arena. They’ll be joined by stellar support acts including Everything Everything, Red Rum Club, and Pale Waves—making this a run of shows not to miss.
With “Can’t Say No,” The Wombats prove once again that they’ve mastered the art of wrapping complex emotion in euphoric sound. It’s bold, bittersweet, and impossible to ignore.
