Following up on previous singles ‘terminal’ and ‘he spoke with conviction’, Canadian indie-pop outfit Wotts enter 2026 with a heap of good intentions. It’s going to be a pretty fun time for them, as they gear up to release yet another EP later in the year, ‘COPE’. We are not quite there yet, with the Ottawa-based duo eager to unveil another piece of their musically euphoric puzzle. ‘little bug’ is the record in question, an offering showcasing the project’s more vulnerable, evocative side, always contextualised into Wotts’ nostalgic aural livery and light psychedelic allure.
The keen listener familiar with the project will be quite happy with what ‘little bug’ stands for. First of all, it’s another foray into dream-pop-laden territories, a timeless sheen that makes the track both hypnotic and nostalgic. Secondly, the song marks a new level of songwriting commitment for Wotts, as they enter the realm of thematic storytelling and cohesive EPs. On that note, ‘COPE’ is a timely release, as it explores the difficulties of change, the struggle of moving on after a painful loss. It’s less poignant than the previous EP ‘FLANK’, in some respects, yet it’s perhaps more apathic, an effort at describing the grey and boring reality that comes with rebuilding a life after a hard-hitting personal event.
From a soinc standpoint, ‘little bug’ hits all the right notes… literally! Propelled by a calming mid-tempo beat, the piece blooms among a flurry of reverberated guitar tones and modulating electronic textures. Jayem’s vocals are particularly ethereal and hazy, truly delving into the dream-pop/shoegaze trope. Taking us deeper into the lyrical ethos behind ‘little bug’, Wotts explain: “It’s about loving someone enough to guide them forward, and the quiet ache of knowing you can’t protect them forever.”
Recommended! Discover ‘little bug’ now: