Wotts – RETURN FLIGHT (2022)
Inspired by the likes of Childish Gambino and Mac Miller, the duo Wotts has a definitive combination of rap and indie-pop in a contemporary pop package. From ‘Time Check’ (read our review here) to ‘Before’ (read our review here), The Other Side Reviews has kept an eye on this Canada-based pair. Not only are we singing their praises, but Wotts has featured on Sinusoidal Music, Roadie Music, Rising Artists Blog and Berlin on Air (to name a few). The latest addition to their well-received repertoire is ‘RETURN FLIGHT’.
Typically composing brooding songs about toxic relationships wrapping pensive thoughts in a pop bubble, Wotts have the perfect breakup anthems; however, ‘RETURN FLIGHT’ sees the pair take a different perspective on relationships. Instead of focusing on the end itself, ‘RETURN FLIGHT’ considers the consequences of the relationship ending and returning to “normal” or returning to flight. Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jayem shares that the band had “never really talked about what happens after. For me, I’ve gotten sucked back into some bad situations and that’s what this one [‘RETURN FLIGHT’] is about.”
Engaging and relatable, Wotts connects with listeners on an intimate level with the poetic lyricism, but there is another evolution in the track regarding the melody. Guitarist Ricky 1000 explains that their music has been honed to merge genres, but there remains a subtle original R&B foundation in the sound. He shares that “I think there’s still some hip hop in our blood when we’re crafting”. Jayem continues that ‘RETURN FLIGHT’ “was probably the first time we made a song with outright R&B intentions. It was a challenge for sure, but it was nice to mix it up and let it rip vocally.”
Recorded in their home studio, Wotts toss you into a kaleidoscopic swirl of sound with the instrumentation slithering down your spine. The melodic arrangement is highly evocative and, when combined with the engaging lyrics, makes emotions almost palpable. If Wotts continue on this boundary-breaking route, I foresee much more success for the duo.
For more from Wotts check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
