Biography
Let's Wrestle originated in London during 2005 as a lo-fi rock trio whose lineup included vocalist and lead guitarist Wesley Patrick Gonzalez, bassist Mike Hankin—performing as Mike Lightning—and drummer Darkus Bishop. Their earliest release, the 7" single "Song for ABBA Tribute Band," surfaced on the U.K. imprint Marquis Cha Cha in May 2007 and promptly drew notice across the British music community, among them Art Brut's Eddie Argos, whose approach Gonzalez—stepson of musician Pete Astor—was frequently likened to. Following their 2008 signing to Stolen Recordings, the band issued the EP In Loving Memory Of and then delivered the full-length In the Court of the Wrestling Let's in June 2009. Cut inside an East London basement, the album's title nodded to King Crimson's In the Court of the Crimson King and earned positive notices from both British and American outlets while inviting comparisons to the Fall, Art Brut, and early Wedding Present. Merge brought the record to American listeners in spring 2010. The group's second album, Nursing Home, was tracked in Chicago alongside Steve Albini and appeared via Merge the following May. Mike Lightning exited soon afterward and was succeeded by Sam Pillay. When the members regrouped for their third album, they expanded their sound and introduced guitarist Max Claps of the Proper Ornaments, imparting a modest degree of maturity. Fortuna POP! released the self-titled Let's Wrestle in early 2014.
Albums
