Brooklyn based indie-pop group The Wants released their debut album Container on March 13th via Council Records. The group took over three years to create this album, blending various different genres, starting with their more post-punk ideas and slowly mutating to include their more adventurous interests in techno, experimental electronic, and ambient music to create one solid product.
The album opens with the track “Ramp.” “Ramp” is an upbeat instrumental track that sets the tone for the remainder of the record. It has a steady beat throughout and features electronic synth type sounds in the beginning, and adding in a drum and guitar beat about midway through. As the track progresses, it adds in more instrumentation and picks up the pace significantly.
Following up next on the album is the title track “Container.” This track is very reminiscent of 80’s style post-punk with the overall beat and flow of the track. While I was not particularly familiar with this sound or genre before listening to this album, I really enjoyed it.
“Machine Room” follows next and is a short instrumental track that begins with a slow, steady, pulsing beat that progressively builds up more and more flowing well into the next track. “Machine Room” flows well right into the next track on the album titled “Fear My Society.” The lyrics “Would you love me if I’m a failure” show the inevitable nature of longing for someone’s approval and the fear of never being good enough. This is a topic many can relate to and one point or another in their lives.
Up next, we have “The Motor.” This track is a funky, upbeat song that makes you want to move and dance. The effects of the synths over the top of the song adds an extra layer, keeping the audience engaged and emanates a warning.
Right in the middle at track six, we have “Aluminum,” which is an instrumental synth track. Throughout, it gives off spooky vibes. The synth builds up in intensity louder and louder while blending in other sounds through. Around a minute in, it builds up more and adds in static noise transitioning right into the next track seamlessly.
The song “Ape Trap” follows. It is fun, upbeat, and dancy, I enjoyed listening to this track a lot. “Ape Trap” was one the singles to be released for the album, and I feel it was an excellent representation for what was to come.
“Waiting Room” is up next and starts in again with the creepy techno vibe that we heard in previous tracks but quickly goes into a heavy bass beat. It has more of a pop feel to it than some of the other tracks but definitely still has the elements of synth techno in it. “Waiting Room” is another fast instrumental track, but I feel it is a good transition song.
“Clearly a Crisis” was another one of the singles released ahead of the album’s release. This track starts off with a catchy beat with a groovy guitar tone. Diymag.com referred to it as “nods to Depeche Mode or a strutting, dancefloor version of Nine Inch Nails.” I can very much agree with this opinion. This track is very dance-pop like with mixes of ambient vibes and techno all blended into one dancy hit.
“Nuclear Party” is up next and follows the same vibe as some of the earlier tracks. It has a very techno vibe with mixes of pop and post-punk influences. I really enjoyed the very beginning of the track where it featured a techno beat.
Nearing the end of the album, we have the song “Hydra.” Like a few of the previous tracks, it follows a similar rhythm and sound, but I really enjoyed it. This track has a much more dance-pop vibe and less techno electronic unlike some of the others which makes it stand out more. The direct vocals and catchy chorus makes it easy for an audience to sing along too.
Closing out the album we have the track “Voltage.” “Voltage” is another instrumental track that starts slow and eerie with nothing but a faint guitar tone pulsing in the background. The title of the song fits well as it reminds me of electricity pulsing.
Overall The Wants bring a unique style and sound to the forefront with Container. While it may not necessarily be for me, this group has a lot of talent and is going to go far. If you are into techno and post-punk or fans of groups like Depeche Mode, this album is definitely for you.
You can stream Container below.
