Calgary’s WANTS release debut album In Plain Sight

By Kayla Harper

Calgary’s favourite Darkwave / Post-Punk band WANTS released their debut album, In Plain Sight, this past week on November 14, playing a release show at the infamous Palomino the same night. The night’s lineup consisted of a few beloved local artists such as Vancouver’s Devours.  However, it was clear that the most exciting act in the room that night was the headliners as a wave of people flooded the floor, the sea buzzing with energy.

WANTS’ electrifying set lit up the room, immersing the crowd in a world of 80s-esque synths driven by bassist, Thom White, who sets up the foundation, grounding lead singer and guitarist, Jeebs Nabil’s vocals which soar over the harmonic guitar riffs.  Every piece comes together to create an atmospheric state of deep self-exploration and celebration of the emotional complexities of life explored in the lyrics.

Clocking in at 33 minutes, the eight tracks take listeners on a journey through the energizing instrumentals, cohesively flowing from track to track, leaving the listener floating in revelations.  The sound rooted firmly in 1980s synth-pop seems to draw inspiration from legends like Depeche Mode and The Cure.  WANTS’ own rendition of The Specials’ “Ghost Town” is included on the album, a refreshing new spin on a genre classic.

There’s a liveliness in the music that’s impossible not to dance to, evident through the crowd’s enthusiasm.  There’s also an introspective nature that makes it impossible not to think, but not in a bad way, in a way that makes you feel alive.

With influence from many places, WANTS is able to bring something new, but familiar to the table, reviving a genre that’s fallen from mainstream consciousness.  In Plain Sight is a must-listen and only the start of something even bigger for the Calgary duo.