Multi-instrumentalist Molly Otto drops two EPs filled with energetic, catchy tunes that blur the line between fresh and nostalgic.
At only 22 years old, Molly Otto is quickly making a name for herself in the scene. She’s opened for several mau5trap artists, including deadmau5 himself, has been discovered by San Holo, released on his label, and released official remixes for The Wrecks. While the latter is more an alt-rock band than an electronic one, this diversity showcases Molly Otto’s range and her core sound, which is a cross-over between alt-rock and electronic, with the addition of pop-style vocals. And all of this has been accomplished in basically just one year since her 2022 debut.
We first discovered Molly Otto as she supported the headlining tour of Lamorn. Despite being on the lineup in support, it was clear from this performance that Molly is fully capable of headlining in her own right. Not only were her original tracks ones that spoke to the audience that night, but her stage presence was quite spectacular. The multi-talented artist takes on multiple instruments throughout her performance, in addition to managing the decks and singing live vocals.
With all that in mind, there seems to be a trend where new music from young artists harkens back to a decade before these artists were even born. Recent releases and shows from Lamorn and Callie Reiff reflect this movement, and the latest four tracks from Molly Otto showcase this style on Back and Forth / My Mind and Only If I Had To / Part II, both of which are out now on Venice Music, so let’s dive in.
The Back and Forth / My Mind is a solid and straightforward duo of earworms.
Right off the bat, “Back and Forth” highlights Molly’s love of driving percussion. After only three quick synth notes, the percussion hits hard, and the vocals start up immediately. “My Mind” has a decidedly more synth-driven opening and refrain, but once again, the percussion is the driving force. The vocals on both tracks are light and catchy, adding to the overall atmosphere that Molly set off to create. These are tunes you’ll find yourself singing and moving to long after their runtimes are over.
The recently released Only If I Had To / Part II is more downtempo and ethereal but no less catchy!
“Only If I Had To” opens with a light electronic melody, and when the vocals and percussion layer in, neither take control; instead, they all blend together into an organic sound. The track is steady and consistent, burrowing into the listener in a lovely way. There’s a bit of variation through some reverberating synths, but otherwise, the track is pleasantly straightforward.
The transition into “Part II” is quite sneaky and incredibly subtle – and it takes a while to realize you’ve entered a new track. A full third of the way into the track, we’re still feeling as though we’re in the extended closing of the first track as some vocal clips cut in hard and give a clear indication of the new track. The staccato sounds through the middle and closing of the track keep us on our feet, or at least chair dancing as we listen.
Molly Otto has already had an astounding first year, and it’s clear she has way more to come. Stay on the lookout for her next release or a tour date in your area!
