Cindy Wilson
Wait
Kill Rock Stars
Cindy Wilson continues to predict the future of pop music. On her new single “Wait,” Wilson is nearly unrecognizable. Gone are the hyper-kinetic surf guitars and jubilant harmonies of her legendary band, the B-52’s.
The B-52’s pioneered New Wave music in the late ’70s. Their angular 1978 dancefloor rave-up “Rock Lobster” inspired a slew of alternative-rock acts, from fellow Athens, Georgia, contemporaries R.E.M. to grunge icons Nirvana.
But this isn’t the B-52’s.
Instead, at least from this track, Wilson aims for a different vibe and succeeds where other heritage acts fail in embracing the times. Instead of her singing in front of the mix, belting out quirky, indelible lyrics, Wilson’s voice feels disembodied, floating in a whirlpool of ambient sounds. The ethereal rhythms have the dreamy blur of chillwave. There’s even a touch of reggae in this pulsating cut.
On headphones, it casts a trippy spell and makes one look forward to hearing more.
