'REMOTE (DELUXE)' / WALLOWS: REVIEW

February 19, 2021

by madden levin

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!

'REMOTE' / WALLOWS: REVIEW

October 23, 2020

by emma schoors

“Remote” is uncharted territory for Wallows, and they’re navigating it with style.

Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters, and Cole Preston didn’t physically see each other at all during the recording of their newest EP, which makes its completed form that much more impressive. Instead, they took to FaceTime and the iPhone voice memos app to complete the tracks.

“Dig What You Dug” is bass heavy and spotlights Braeden Lemasters’ stunning vocals. The pre-chorus is catchy and has the same general feel as some tracks on “Nothing Happens,” but as soon as the chorus hits, listeners are reminded that Wallows has changed significantly since then. Both versions of the band are equally worth listening to, but one thing is clear. The band is reigning in on what they do best in this EP, and there isn’t one “boring” song. Each track has countless musical complexities that make it memorable and worth giving another listen.

The intro of “Coastlines” is slightly reminiscent of the band’s most popular track, “Are You Bored Yet?” (feat. Clairo). Give it a mere couple seconds, though, and the band’s progression is clear. One of the most hard-hitting yet simplistic lines resides in this track: “Do your words make up what’s on your mind?” One key difference in this EP compared to the band’s earlier work is that it’s a lot more electronic-centric, and it’s pulled off surprisingly well.

Listen to Remote on Spotify. Wallows · Single · 2020 · 6 songs.

“Talk Like That” showcases Dylan Minnette’s vocals, and overall shows the greatened intensity in the band’s sound. Just after the one minute mark the song takes a turn, and it becomes increasingly difficult to comprehend how the band managed to make such a beautifully complex song remotely.

A beautiful and resonating closing song, “Wish Me Luck,” slows things down slightly. This change in tempo is much needed to contrast the high-paced songs that carry the EP. Dreamy is the first word that comes to mind, but that doesn’t cover how stunning the mix of sound and lyricism is. “I don’t wanna lose myself to all my insecurities. If I told you all of them, who would it hurt more? You or me?” Wallows has always been great at writing songs that connect with people, but this track is especially relatable. The fear of inadequacy that so many people often internally feel is navigated effortlessly.

A true test of a band’s strength is their ability to adapt to abrupt changes in the industry and in the world, and Wallows has embraced these changes with ease... though, in the words of “Nobody Gets Me (Like You),” “All the things that made sense suddenly feel different.” The entire EP is deeply exciting, and a much needed breath of fresh air in an increasingly suffocating world.

'VIRTUAL AEROBICS' / WALLOWS: REVIEW

October 2, 2020

by emma schoors

“Virtual Aerobics” is a nostalgic, summery single and accompanying music video by Wallows that perfectly conveys the thrill of being in love.

With the fast schedule Wallows has been releasing music on you’d expect at least a slight decrease in quality of music, but they seem to just keep getting better and better. Each single has its own distinct mood, unique storyline, and instrumental focus. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Wallows has an EP being released on Oct. 23. The completed EP, entitled Remote, is sure to be just as unpredictable and creative as their singles have been thus far.

“Work hard no matter what happens next” is a line that everyone could use during the craziness and anxiety within the world today. The rest of the lyricism is lush with gorgeous imagery of San Fransisco and the excitement of seeing things in a new way, especially while in love. The lyric video holds the same undertones, with colorful visuals and a dance that fans are sure to pick up on.

This finished package is true to the band’s signature musical and visual style, which never get redundant. There’s something purely addicting about Wallows’ sound, and each single spotlights different aspects of it. “Virtual Aerobics” in particular has a catchy piano hook that kicks off the song and balances beautifully with some of the punchier instrumentals throughout.

Wallows never seems to miss, and “Virtual Aerobics” is another great example of that. Each single is unique in its subject matter while still being woven into a complete and coherent discography. This cohesion might be what reels listeners in, but the laidback and optimistic attitude of the band as a whole is what keeps them tuned in.

Official lyric video for Wallows' new single 'Virtual Aerobics', which is the second single off of the forthcoming EP, 'Remote', due October 23rd. Pre-order ...