Canadian indie pop duo Wotts close out 2024 with a bang, dropping their final release of the year, “Sinking.” Following the success of their EP Good People, Bad People, the track is a testament to the band’s fearless approach to pushing boundaries and blending styles. Leaning heavily on influences like The Killers’ Sam’s Town era and MGMT’s experimental edge, “Sinking” throws a surprising twang into the mix, showing off Wotts’ ever-evolving sound.
If their previous single “Boy + Girl” embraced a stripped-back aesthetic, “Sinking” does the exact opposite. The song is packed with layered guitars, orchestral violins, and booming drums, delivering a lush, cinematic listening experience that flaunts their maximalist tendencies. “It’s probably not a good thing, but we never really know where a song is going until very late in the process,” admits Jayem, Wotts’ producer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist. “This one started with some acoustic strumming, and next thing you know, we’re throwing in all sorts of things, big and small.”
The unexpected “twangy vibes” are another curveball from the duo. “Throwing in some country textures on this one is probably just us getting it out of our system, just to say we tried it,” says bassist and guitarist Ricky 100. “Even though we used a couple new colours on this song, I think we managed to stay true to our sound.”
After a year of standout releases, Wotts are already teasing bigger things for 2025. Jayem hints at “bolder sonic swings,” promising fans a blend of pop with fresh influences, while Ricky sums up their direction with the cryptic yet intriguing words, “Britpop, guitars, randomness.”
Wotts’ journey from hip-hop origins to Beatles-inspired experimentation showcases their versatility and fearlessness as artists. “Sinking” solidifies their reputation as a duo unafraid to mix genres and break molds, making them a must-follow act in the indie pop scene. Fans can look forward to even more surprises as Wotts continue to evolve and redefine their sound in the coming year.
