On Thursday, September 30, Wallows released the first song from their upcoming sophomore album. “I Don’t Want to Talk” combines the bright and upbeat spirit that we know them all too well for in just three minutes and 43 seconds, a perfect length to get a taste for what we will hear from them soon.
Wallows are an indie-pop trio composed of Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters and Cole Preston. All the way back in 2011, the Los Angeles-based band formed as teenagers with the initial name of Join the Band. After a name change or two later, Wallows was made official in 2017 with the release of their first single “Pleaser”.
In 2019, their debut album Nothing Happens gained the attention of many and led to immense success for the band. On the album, “Are You Bored Yet?” featuring Clairo has garnered nearly half a billion Spotify streams and is undoubtedly their biggest song to date. Following the album was Remote, an EP released in 2020 that has aided in helping Wallows reach over eight million monthly listeners on Spotify.
With Lemasters and Preston on the guitar while Minnette impressively combines his harmonica skills with singing, “I Don’t Want to Talk” delves into the complexities of communication and feelings. The lyrics “I’m not alright but I don’t need comfort” utterly capture the meaning of having insecurities within a relationship and not wanting to express one’s emotions to their partner.
Wallows said in a tweet:
“The song is extra important to us, because this is the first peek we’re giving you into our next album, which we cannot wait to finish and share more of… Anyway, thank you all, we love you all, and thank you for listening to IDWTT.”
Directed by Jason Lester, the song’s music video premiered simultaneously. In four minutes and seven seconds, the video is set in what appears to be a photo studio, outside in a field, in front of a gate and more. Seen are a few direct lyric-to-screen relationships where the lyrics sung depict exactly what’s happening in the video, while other times they are just performing with flashing colorful lights. Interestingly, the whole video is them appearing to have fun with each other, a unique juxtaposition to what the song is actually about.
Also on Thursday, the band made the announcement of part one of their North American tour that includes the U.S. and parts of Canada. The TELL ME THAT IT’S OVER TOUR is 40 stops and goes from April to June 2022. Although pre-sale access started October 5, tickets for the general public go on sale on Friday, October 8 at 10 am local time.
Photo Credit: Wallows
If you’re in need of a new indie band to follow, Wallows is undoubtedly a great option! Their sound is fun, full of energy and makes for great driving music. We can’t wait to hear more on their upcoming album.
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