Wants
In Plain Sight
self-released
Wants has spent a few years zeroing in on their sound through recording and live performance. That time spent building their approach to synth-informed post-punk is well represented on their debut LP
The material on the LP broadly fits into the same neutral zone between melodic post-punk and classic new wave occupied by acts like Sacred Skin, emphasizing pop appeal above other concerns. Nabil keeps his expressive voice centered on cuts like “Chasing Light”, using chiming, chorused guitar as a rhythmic device that weaves its way through the dense mix of electronic percussion and synthesizers. The sound of the instrumentation is familiar, finding a bridge between the more tasteful end of synthwave, and classic synthpop. There are some pleasingly subtle choices in how all these elements are arranged; see the dubby stabs and big hanging chords that outline the uplifting “Altered Course”, and the long instrumental opening to “Don’t Turn Back”, where Nabil’s guitar suggests the song’s motifs without actually spelling them out.
That grasp on songcraft ends up being the record’s biggest asset, making the most of its individual strengths depending on the cut. There’s some funky octave programming happening on “Fall to the Void” that is good in isolation, but the way in which it drops behind dueling synth and guitar leads on successive verses keeps the song fresh without losing the groove. The familiarity of opener “Stranger” doesn’t come from any resemblance to some new wave classic, but from the way in which it sneaks its hook in and out at just the right moments, telegraphed to great effect by shifts up and down in the vocal. Nabil’s instincts are keen enough that even the unexpectedly upbeat cover of The Specials’ “Ghost Town” works, walking the line between novel and novelty by bringing a new take on the classic track’s backbeat to the fore.
While there’s a sameyness to some of its production and sound design that slightly flattens the peaks of a few songs, In Plain Sight‘s pace and concise runtime keep it a crisp and enjoyable experience. Indeed, the more you listen to it, the more of its charms become apparent, a credit to Wants’ ability to sidestep genre cliches and bring the best out of their songs.
