Wallows Whimsically Navigates Self-Induced Relationship Stress on "Especially You"
Photo: Anthony Pham
Indie rock darlings Wallows make their triumphant return today with the dreamy-pop single "Especially You." The '80s-tinged tune blends synth-heavy production with pulsing bass and echoing vocals for a simultaneously nostalgic and refreshing sonic affair. The song wastes no time, plunging immediately into the spirited yet introspective chorus, lamenting "some things leave me confused / But especially you."
One of Wallows' undeniable strengths is the group's penchant for delivering emotionally resonant themes packaged in irresistibly upbeat songs. True to form, "Especially You" juxtaposes an infectious, buoyant melody with contemplative, almost anxious lyrics. As Dylan Minnette explains, "It's about when you're in the early stages of a relationship and you get so worried that the other person's mind will change at the flip of a switch. It's about stressing over the smallest things for no reason, but it's definitely self-aware about the fact that I'm doing this all to myself." Lyrics like "Can't stop a mood that swings" imbue the song with a tongue-in-cheek playfulness, overlaying its self-conscious nature, a perfect representation of the simultaneous excitement and insecurity of a budding relationship.
The accompanying visuals play into the lighter themes of the song's instrumentation with a delightfully meta imagining of filming a music video. Artfully filmed in the style of a one-take scene, the video follows the bandmates arriving on set - only to play every role from PA, photographer, to costume designer.
The trio is no stranger to success, with their debut album Nothing Happens garnering critical acclaim and massive commercial popularity after its 2019 release. Their large and loyal fanbase is in for a treat this year, with Wallows announcing their sophomore album Tell Me That It's Over, set to drop March 25. But that's only the beginning for the band, who will set out for a positively massive US tour shortly after, spanning three months and including stops at Coachella and Bonnaroo.
Watch the "Especially You" video below:
