Drawing inspiration from “Heroes”-era David Bowie, Otis Wilkins’ “Charlene” has all the trapping of a classic doomed romance of the new cold war: divebomb guitars, icy piano, atmospheric loops and pings, a raw, aching lead vocal. Borne out of a writing session with Gordy Quist of Band of Heathens and recorded by James Westley in The Basement last fall with production by Walker Lukens (who also contributed keys and loops), “Charlene” hearkens back to both the paranoia and strut of the ’70s without ever entering throwback territory, with Sara Houser and Jane Ellen Bryant’s backing vocals in particular helping establish the time adrift mood (plus that killer ’70s sleaze cover photo by Kate Blaising doesn’t hurt). Check it out for yourself below and be sure to catch Otis Wilkins at Hotel Vegas on Thursday, February 27th for the single release party!
