A Look Inside Wallows’s Listening Party and Q&A Event
Photo courtesy of Soph Cheung // @soph0tograph
Indie/alternative band Wallows announced on March 18 that they would be hosting a listening party and Q&A event at the iconic Newbury Comics in Harvard Square for the release of their second LP, Tell Me That It’s Over. Not only was it an opportunity for fans to hear the album three days before its release, but it also provided a space for attendees to ask their creative questions to the band. Being a very unique event, Wallows fans in the Boston area lined up as early as 6 a.m. to ensure they obtained a wristband out of the 100 that were given. Boston University student Brianna Przywozny started listening to the band after their release of their first single“Pleaser” and since then, she says, “as they released songs, every one got added to my playlists,” so she was dying to hear their new album early.
Excited chatter filled the quaint music and pop culture store as fans took their places on the floor. The listening party happened first, which delighted those who were anticipating hearing the expanded version of the new sound that the band is approaching. Beginning at the top of the tracklist, the crowd was graced with a new song, “Hard to Believe.” The song begins with orchestral instruments performed in staccatos, paired with lead singer Dylan Minnette’s recognizable, deep vocals. This start was met with gasps of excitement and surprise, as this classical element has not been present in their prior releases full of fundamental indie material. Emerson College sophomore Jen Chan had listened to Wallows just a few times before attending the event with her friend who is a big fan, but expressed appreciation for their sound, saying, “I love the string instrumentals in particular.”
Orchestral elements were beautifully scattered throughout the album and were used in unique manner every time.Whether it was string instruments sourced from a synthesizer or the actual instruments being played, these musical moments fit perfectly in each song. When asked about how the band implements experimentation success into their songs, guitarist and vocalist Braeden Lemasters shares that “That’s What I Get” was originally written for drums, guitar and bass, but it struck them to arrange it orchestrally instead and have it align with the heartbreak-focused lyrics. He also compared it to “She’s Leaving Home” by The Beatles because they are both orchestral outliers on their respective albums. In addition to their classical risk-taking, the new record is also packed with synthesizer details.
Dylan Minnette (Wallows rhythm guitarist) raises his almost empty drink to the camera while Braeden Lemasters Wallows bassist) offers two thumbs up in support. Photo courtesy of Soph Cheung // @soph0tograph
The beginning of “At the End of the Day” contains synth elements that make you feel as though you are a main character in a John Hughes movie, while also sounding like a tribute to electronic dance legends
New Order. “Hurts Me” starts strong with a kaleidoscope of artificial instruments that sounds just like a summer day. There are also a selection of moments on the record that border the ambient genre. This compilation of synthesizer endeavors is an obvious indicator of their new sound coming to fruition.
“Permanent Price” is a perfect combination of the elements that make up their new sound and has lyrics so dazzling that Minnette recommended a line from the song as a tattoo for a fan who asked what tattoo she should add to her collection that correlates with each of the bands’ EPs and LPs. Minette’s girlfriend, Lydia Night of The Regrettes, also contributed beautiful vocals on the track.
“Guitar Romantic Search Adventure” has a rightful place at the end of the album. It’s a breathtaking finish of Minette’s vocal talent paired with enchanting acoustic guitar that encapsulates the love that is being questioned through the lyrics. The song ends with a hopeful pairing of intricate guitar and piano that possibly indicates a happy ending for the relationship on the verge of separation. Lemasters also credits this song to be the one he is the proudest of working on and says, “It accurately represents the vision for the album.” It was clear from this session that the album is a standout and will be met with success. The piece of work is an audible display of their growth as musicians and willingness to take risks that brilliantly paid off.
Cheers of approval boomed when the album listening ended. Fans then eagerly lined up to ask their questions to the boys. Questions varied between serious and hilarious during the Q&A that had an unheard of duration of over an hour.
The favorite question of the night was certainly “What are your controversial hot takes?” Starting off the risky answers, drummer Cole Preston answered that he didn’t love “The Batman” and was followed by Minnette expressing his fiery hatred for “Hotel California” and Lemasters admitting he is unimpressed with “Dune.” This was the only moment of the night where fans had negative reactions, but they still couldn’t help having a smile on their faces. They were also asked what they do in their free time, and Minnette gave an exciting response, revealing that they plan to write new music on the road on their upcoming tour, which they have never done before. And just in case anyone is wondering, Lemasters’ favorite One Direction song is “Stockholm Syndrome,” and Preston’s coffee order is an iced Tesora with oat milk and a little bit of honey from Philz Coffee.
Fans also inquired about varying topics related to their music and musicianship. When asked what songs they were the most proud of, the boys listed off songs from the new album, but also added some older songs to the list, including “Only Friend” and “Do Not Wait.” Preston credits their producer Ariel Rechtshaid as a significant contributor to their original sound when asked about how they have developed their individuality. They also revealed what songs they were the most excited to perform on their upcoming tour. All pulling from the new album, Preston said “Marvelous,” Lemasters said “Hurts Me” and Minnette said “Guitar Romantic Search Adventure.”
Wallows are returning to Boston on June 22 for the Tell Me That It’s Over Tour and will be performing at the new Brighton venue, The Roadrunner. Fans called out older songs they want to hear when they come back, but also expressed their excitement for hearing the new releases. Loving the energy of the crowd at this event, the band is anticipating their return to Beantown.