A jangly psych-pop nostalgia enamors on “Donny Says,” the latest success from Miami-based band The Wax Worms. First catching our ears with fellow throwback rock crooner “Laura” back in 2023, the band continue to excel with a wonderfully vintage, hook-filled appeal with “Donny Says,” which bears a fond likeness to The Lemon Twigs in its radiant vocal lines and hypnotic jangling.
The track’s glistening, harmonious production melds with a political topical emphasis — being a scathing take on Donald Trump, and the presidency in general. “Donny says, he’s in control,” dazed vocals exude. “But it’s all in his head, he’s all alone.” Wealth and power are one thing, but true loneliness is another. The backing vocal harmonies, glistening guitars, and twinkling keys assemble for a hooky, replay-inducing treat from The Wax Worms.
The band’s lead singer, Max Harrison, elaborates further on the track:
“‘Donny Says’ was written when Trump first won in 2016, and was shelved until now. Feeling it appropriate to release a subtle political diss track given the current state of the USA, we decided to polish it up for an official release. At the time, I was listening to solely the Velvet Underground and Mac Demarco, and I think that comes through plainly. The lyrics are political if you pay attention, and laidback if you don’t, unintentionally reflective of the privilege Americans have on the world stage. The perspective I had when I first wrote the song has remained the same: Trump is full of it, so is the presidency in general, and he is more akin to a spoiled, lonely brat than the loud-mouth authoritarian he wants you to believe he is. Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy.”
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
