Ottawa’s rebels, Wotts just dropped, “sinking II”, and the duo—Jayem (vocals, production, Swiss Army knife of instruments) and Ricky 100 (guitar/bass slinger)—take a blowtorch to their own November 2024 single, remixing it into a synth-soaked, ‘80s-tinged beast that’s a mix of Tame Impala’s psychedelic swirl and Gorillaz’s genre-smashing swagger. This isn’t your average do-over; it’s huge rebirth that proves Wotts thrives on chaos.
Let’s break it down: The original “sinking” rode twangy guitars and live drums like a desert highway cruiser. “sinking II”? It’s like taking a wrong turn into a neon-soaked alleyway at midnight. Ricky 100’s guitar work hits well, cutting through drum machine beats and waves of synth with some seriously juicy riffs. And the reverb? There’s enough to fill a stadium and then some. Meanwhile, Jayem’s production manifests in eerie, pulsing synths that wrap around the track like a thick fog, giving it this moody, cinematic feel. The chemistry between these two is electric – Ricky’s gritty playing keeps Jayem’s spacey production grounded, and it just works. Now, about those lyrics – the band says they haven’t changed much, but man, the vibe sure has. The first version was all about personal struggles, but “sinking II” goes deeper, darker. It’s about losing people, getting existential.
Wotts’ fearless tinkering shouldn’t surprise anyone. These are the same guys who’ve jumped from hip-hop beats to Beatles-esque melodies without missing a step. Ricky’s cryptic teaser for 2025—“Britpop, guitars, randomness”—hints at even wilder experiments ahead. But let’s not rush past “sinking II”: This track is a statement. It’s proof that remixes can be revolutions, not just retreads.
Having shredded stages at RBC Bluesfest and Junofest, Wotts knows how to command a crowd, and “sinking II” feels built for those late-night, sweat-drenched sets where the line between euphoria and melancholy blurs. With accolades from CBC Radio to EARMILK already under their belts, this remix cements their rep as Canada’s indie pop alchemists—turning heartache into hooks and nostalgia into something dangerously fresh.
“sinking II” is a whole vibe, a mosh pit, and that 3 AM epiphany you didn’t know you needed. Wotts still gives zero damns about playing by the rules. 2025 better brace itself—these two are just getting started.