Label: Atlantic
Release Date: 23rd October 2020
Rating: 7/10
"The Remote EP perhaps isn’t the most ground-breaking thing they’ve done. Yet, the resounding optimism and familiar tones that seep through every track unleash something deeply comforting."
At times over the past few months, the constant onslaught of bad news has been a lot for all of us. Wallows have delivered a slice of escapism for us all on their latest release, the Remote EP. Recorded and produced entirely in quarantine, it aims at moving away from talk of that very thing, offering a respite from that dreariness and instead enveloping you in Wallows’ sunny yet realistic approach.
A wonderful mix of upbeat optimism and thought-provoking realism, the ‘Remote EP’ has some of Wallows' most profound tracks yet, as well as their happiest. The first release, ‘Nobody Gets Me (Like You)’ is so overflowing with that rush of the early stages of love and infatuation that it’s impossible not to get sucked into their euphoria with them.
On the flip side, ‘Coastlines’ chronicles the realities of far-flung relationships, poignantly meditating on the difficulties of being miles from the one you love. Set against a backdrop of delicious synth and an infectious guitar line, it’s both thoughtful and dazzling at the same time.
Although their upbeat songs are great, Wallows perhaps shine the most when they’re embracing slowing numbers. ‘Wish Me Luck’ is the sort of ballad that is primed for arenas but nevertheless retains a raw intimacy many of us have come to love from the trio. Their biggest attraction for a lot of people is their earnestness, and on this track, it feels most pronounced.
‘Talk Like That’ sees the band delve into the overthinking that comes hand in hand with anxiety, but still, it possesses a chirpiness that leaves it stuck in your head all day – ironically. The Remote EP perhaps isn’t the most ground-breaking thing they’ve done. Yet, the resounding optimism and familiar tones that seep through every track unleash something deeply comforting. It has a sanguinity that is needed right now, and one that I think we will all reach for over the coming months. It is pure and simply Wallows delivering yet again.
Words by Neive McCarthy.
25th October 2020.
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