Wotts – Before (2021)
The genre-defying duo Wotts is back to cover us in melodic layers through their single ‘Before’. Continuing their movement from hip-hop to pop that started in ’97 Oakleys’, the duo contrasts happiness with melancholic endings. The rather upbeat sounds of the single twirl around the story of the end of a long-term relationship.
Through the single, they consider how people in long-term relationships assume their partner will always be there only to find out that is not true. As the band moves from their hip-hop roots, the single showcases how people change and move on from who they were before. Representative of where the duo sees themselves moving in the musical world, the lyrics are relatable and tell a tale we have all seen before.
‘Before’ washes you with nostalgic vibes through the warm beats and synths of the opening. There is an almost funky haze to the melody that has you moving to it whether that is tapping your feet or swaying in your seat. There is a great depth to the music from the twanging beats to the zipping synths that step against your ears. You can’t help but smile as the music hits you and covers your senses. The warm and easy feeling of the music is at odds with the emotions of the track but that just makes the single even better.
The vocals carry the haziness of the melody to new heights. There is a light echo to the performance that tugs at the edges of your mind. As the vocals enter, they have a happy edge to them that drops as you get closer to the chorus. The chorus brings a touch of melancholy as the long-term relationship of the lyrics starts to fall apart. The rise and fall of the emotions in the track are wonderfully handled and perfectly matches up to the movement of the melody. While the melody captures your muscles, the vocals will have you singing along while floating on the haze of emotion.
Wotts are back with a haze of emotion that shines in the contrasting tones of ‘Before’. The melody is all warm haziness that has you floating in the soundscape. The vocals bring the sadder emotions of the track as they delve into the breakdown of a long-term relationship and the struggle to come to terms with this.
Find out more about Wotts on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
