WOTTS
Killer synth tones with “No Take Backs”
When you dive through this band’s Instragram, you’ll see a Casio CZ101. When I saw that, I knew I’d be listening to a band of tone freaks. The CZ101 is an old-school 80’s keyboard. 8-stage envelope design. Tiny keys. Cartridge slot in the back. Sexy. I swear you can hear its tones in this great pop track by WOTTS, a duo from Ottawa (aka rick + jayem). Here’s our review of “No Take Backs”
The track jumps in with the chorus, and it is lush. Pretty soon you’ll realize there’s smooth and groovy bass line underneath all those patches and vocals. Nice change up with the verse, and love the wave tones in the pre-chorus and the 80’s sounding drums. Chorus comes back around and the “don’t stop coming for me” line is now stuck in our head. There’s a great breakdown using an acoustic right before the 2nd verse, a hard Rhodes sound, and lush keys - it’s a nice break, and sets up an extended and altered format second verse that gets the party moving - even with its breakdown section. Another chorus, and then a great solo section! The groovy bass line continues underneath a sweet electric riff, and the phaser effect on the drums is a nice touch. Back to another chorus and then a new thought emerges with the outro. While this track does not follow the “standard” ABABCA format, it definitely works. The hook is solid, but there’s also so many interesting tones being presented that it’s really a wonderful 2:55 audio journey. There’s a lot packed into this track.
Very curious to see where they will go next. Apparently they used to be a bit of a rap / hip hop act, but we picked up none of that vibe listening to this track. They’re definitely pop, and they’ve got a good hold on the genre.
Check it out now!