New York City newcomers Otra Vez are one of the most recent additions to Spirit Lust’s ever-growing catalog, and they are introducing themselves with a lo-fi hit that is sure to make you hope they stick around.
The premiere single Night and Day is twinkling, yet melancholic, and it just begs for listen after listen. A track about staying up too late, realizing it’s now morning and that you still haven’t slept. It carries a shoegazed, foot-dragging slow feeling, but then finds a way to kick you in the butt and get you moving. “The sun is coming up, I haven’t slept at all, the morning light is always such a know it all.” The bass and drums groove together as you creep through the song, while the guitar twinkles up above you. You can almost see the notes waving along your ceiling as you’re lying awake in bed listening for the fourth time in a row. The vocals contain a slight sadness or hurt behind them that takes me back to some of my favorite Slowdive tracks. It all wraps together warm, and with the right touch of distortion that’s only obtainable on the 4-track it was recorded with.
Otra Vez is the project of DJ O’loane and Sean O’hara, both of whom moved to Brooklyn this past summer. They both quickly established themselves among the scene here. DJ playing with Should’ve and Swear Tapes, and Sean playing along with Karaoke Mood Killer. All the instruments, vocals, and recordings for this release were done by the two on their trusty 4-track (shown above).
Otra Vez’s debut release “Vexation” is due out March 6. Based on this single, it is safe to say it is going to become a quick favorite.