Calgary’s WANTS create their shadowed space within the convergence of darkwave, post punk, and synthpop by way of minimal basslines, serrated guitar figures, and emotionally unguarded vocals collide with a sense of cinematic tension. Rooted in the lineage of celebrated dark synthpop and darkwave acts, yet arriving with a modern urgency, the band’s debut full length In Plain Sight was recently released.
Among the record’s most affective pieces, Don’t Turn Back stands out as one of WANTS' darkest moments. The track opens in a wash of cold, foreboding synths, creating an atmosphere steeped in the icy minimalism of early new wave and film soundtracks. Consequently, the song fractures into a propulsive post punk with brooding vocals taking the foreground.
The song reflects the hidden turmoil of shaping an identity across cultures, exploring how early decisions resurface years later, bringing both sorrow and wisdom.
ZR