By Katie Ryu
The indie rock band Wallows released their long-awaited new single, “OK” on Friday, March 20. This is their latest single since their debut album, “Nothing Happens” and it’s the first taste of what’s sure to be more exceptional music from Wallows in 2020. In times of self-quarantine and staying home, now is as good as a time as ever to try listening to and perhaps discovering new, quality music.
The title track,“OK,” is a song about insecurities in a relationship. According to Flood Magazine, the song expresses the identity and relationship struggles that a lot of young people end up facing in life.
“[It’s about] having a hard time accepting something that feels ‘too good to be true,’ but overall learning to embrace it and accept the love you’re receiving and focusing on returning it,” Wallows said in an interview with Variance Magazine.
This song is reflective of this band’s growth as musicians and artists. In a press release, Wallows described the inspiration behind “OK” as a mix of some of their favorite genres: pop, alternative, and R&B. This points to how the band is experimenting with new styles. “OK” is definitely more experimental for the group, and long-time fans will recognize how its sound differs from their older tracks. There is an unexpected hint of electro-pop to the song that feels surprisingly natural and smooth.
In consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic that is currently impacting all of our lives, some of the song’s lyrics seem more important and relevant than ever. “Can we get up and try to feel okay again?” has the potential and power to take on a new meaning for people at this time. Many of us are worried, stressed, or afraid for ourselves and the people we love. But no matter how alone we feel or how despairing life may appear, we are reminded that we always have the power to get back up and try again.
“It’s still more important than ever for us to release the song now, because speaking for ourselves at least, we want anything new [or] fresh we can get at this time. So hopefully this song can help fill any void any of you may be feeling at this moment in time. Just know you’re not alone, and we can all get up and try to feel OK again,” Wallows said in a recent Instagram post.
Braeden Lemasters, Cole Preston, and Dylan Minnette have been making music together as a band under different monikers for years now, though they’ve been steadily rising in popularity as Wallows. They are young, talented artists whose music and messages are something in which audiences can find solace, relatability, and entertainment, especially during the lower points of life.
The band promises that a video for “OK” is coming soon and continues to assure fans that they’re all in this together.
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