On Jan. 24, California band Wallows proved they deserve a second chance by releasing a deluxe version of their EP, Remote. The original EP came out on Oct. 23. Though it only had five songs, it annihilated the cinematic voice Wallows had created in their earlier works like the 2019 album Nothing Happens and 2018 Spring EP.

EP cover art for “Remote Deluxe” by Wallows. [Image by Wallows/Atlantic Records].
Remote was beachy and experimental, but lacked depth and memorability. Maybe if Nothing Happens wasn’t so masterful in its musical storytelling, or the band hadn’t dubbed Remote their best work, listening to it wouldn’t be such a letdown. As a fan of theirs, I had to give the deluxe version a try, though I didn’t have much hope. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia I have from seeing the band last February, but the deluxe made me appreciate Remote much more. Though it’s not the EP of the year, I enjoyed the new additions and appreciated some songs I’d barely given a chance. Let’s listen to the album together, talk through it, and draw through it. I find that I can get into a song best by creating a visual interpretation of it.
I first listened to the album on a walk around my neighbourhood.


 


Though many people weren’t fans of “Virtual Aerobics,” I was obsessed with it, even when it was first released. It is generic and repetitive, but what can I say. The beat ties itself to the lyrics, and the melody loops in a way that you can listen to it at least twice in a row without realizing it.

The song is a shallow representation of a year filled with virtual connections, but it’s catchy and light on the ears. Although I did love it, it’s not the best song out there and for that, I give it an 8/10.



In October, I detested “Dig What You Dug.” It got on my nerves with its cheesiness and nonsensical, oozing sweetness. Maybe it’s the promise of summer, but I enjoyed it much more the second time around. It makes me want to dance or lie in the grass aimlessly. 

I still don’t get what the lyrics are getting at, but that’s okay. I don’t need to understand it to jive to it.

If it weren’t for the off-putting voice at the ending, “Dig What You Dug” would have been a bop. I have to lower it to a 7.5/10 for that reason, but you might dig it.


 

“Nobody Gets Me (Like You)” sounds like the skeleton of a Wallows song that’s been filled with the blandness of every single love song that’s ever existed. It could be called “Literally Everyone Gets Me (including you).” Still, the melody immediately got stuck in my head, so it gets a 5/10 for effort.


 


“Coastlines” was arguably the best song on the original EP. During my re-listen, it proved itself even more. There’s a little bit of a digital twang that throws it off for me but otherwise, it’s a classic Wallows bop (maybe even the sister to the band’s hit “Are You Bored Yet?”) 

The song paints a picture of a long-distance love song, and the words “I don’t want to think about it” speak to 2020. It makes me long for summer 2021. 9/10


“Talk Like That” is like a science experiment in which your materials are confusing lyrics, an unstable beat, and an ending that feels like a musical burp. It results in a messy song that’s equivalent to someone yelling at you. 4/10




“Wish Me Luck” is boring but sweet. It’s very generic and is just another pop song that makes me long for the storytelling in Nothing Happens. 6/10




I was surprised to hear “On Time.” As the first new addition to the deluxe EP, it offers some refreshing elements I’d been waiting to hear. The voice of drummer Cole Preston is a welcome sound that almost makes it feel like I’ve entered a new realm separate from the original Remote.

The slower pace, alongside the echoey quality of the vocals and the trumpet, compose quite a pretty and dreamlike song. It feels like a continuation of “Let The Sun In.” I truly enjoyed it. 9/10.




“Quarterback” ties itself beautifully into “On Time,” with Cole leading the vocals again. Nothing Happens painted a story of growing up, and “Quarterback” feels like a missing piece of that. 

It’s soft and cheerful, with undertones of young adult disappointment. It makes me feel like I’m 17 and walking home from school during the warm days of September. I love a good song to walk to, and this one is pretty perfect. 9.5/10




I think “Another Story” could find a place in the poetry books I loved to read when I was 12. Also, what was that noise? Abstract art isn’t for me. 2/10

Remote was an alright EP, but the deluxe version came out at a great time and featured two new, nearly perfect Wallows songs. With the undertones of summer upon us, it felt good to be reminded of the melody. 

I’m glad I gave Remote a second chance, but I still hope Wallows either returns to their roots or pursues a new musical path soon.

Featured graphic by Sara Mizannojehdehi.

 

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