by madden levin
photo by nina ljeti
We at Unclear have been a fan of this next band for some time now so we are just as excited as you for their new EP release! Who are we talking about you ask? None other than Wallows, who just released the deluxe edition of their EP Remote TODAY! As they came to each other’s lives as best friends at such a young age, the chemistry that rings through your speakers when you listen to Wallows is like no other. So, if you haven’t ever given Wallows a chance, now is your time to get addicted. Let’s take a walk through some of their new songs on the Remote (Deluxe) EP.
“Quarterback,” the band’s newest single, is one that you’ll find on this EP! In fact, you may also find a music video for this new single released today as well; so for our visual-lovers, there is no need to panic! Within the first few seconds of the tune, I was interested in the unique instrumentals that I was hearing. What I’ve noticed in prior released Wallows songs is that there will always be something that sets each individual sound apart from one another — something that may seem so simple, but must be executed so carefully, which I firmly believe is accomplished every time! Whenever I review a song, I try to envision the physical journey of being in the song, as crazy as that sounds. That being said, I imagine “Quarterback” blaring amidst the golden sun as summer approaches and it’s time to act like a kid again and run around a field with your friends; maybe as summer gets closer, someone can confirm this idea.
Another new song featured in the deluxe EP is “On Time,” a slower song that would probably be playing on a slow winter night at a bar in the city. The introduction to the song is very old-school, with a modern twist by roping in the voice effects. As the mood increases as the song progresses, hopefulness immediately takes hold of your heart. Something about the mix of instruments and the use of layered lyrics that creates a wave of emotion — an incredible song overall!
I know there is a bit of a controversy behind artists releasing short, transition like songs in their LP or EP releases; however, “Another Story” stands on its own to produce its unique story and place in the EP. At just 1 minute and 42 seconds, Wallows had to be extremely strategic with how they packed this song to stick with the emotional factor of the rest of the EP. Nevertheless, the guys surely achieved that goal by focusing on a calm tone of voice and a progressive growth throughout that short time period. This is truly a song that you’d want to listen to on a continuous loop on one of those days where the bed is the only place you can stand to visit.
Also found on Remote (Deluxe) EP is the amazing single that I know I’m not the only one who is obsessed with: “OK.” Not only is the single version on the EP, but a version with Remi Wolf & Solomonophonic appears to provide a different perspective on the amazing song. All I can say about this new version is that you truly have to listen to it for yourself and that is 100% a head-bopper — if you know what I mean.
If you haven’t been listening along with us, make sure to take some time out of your hopefully relaxing day to give it a listen. We’d like to thank Wallows for giving us the opportunity to share our thoughts on this new release — which we absolutely adore and cannot wait to share with our friends. Let us know what your favorite songs are and why!