Otis Wilkins - “Charlene”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 3

Pairs Well With…Father John Misty, The Flaming Lips, Otis the Destroyer

Otis Wilkins of Otis the Destroyer embraces piano pop romanticism across his latest three singles, upbeat indie rock numbers with tongue-in-cheek flair. Charming and full, Wilkins lets psych-rock influences weave into his songs, tripping out the classic pop songwriting that births the song structures of tunes like “Joni Mitchell Was Punk” and “Charlene”. Balancing smooth and jangly phrasing, Wilkins’ songs are equally accessible and weird, pleasantly dense instead of just going full dream pop. Otis Wilkins performs amongst a mostly local showcase on Saturday night at Easy Tiger East. (Kevin McStravick)

2019 Review: Austin’s Otis the Destroyer has let its frontman free as Otis Wilkins shared his debut EP Strangest Place this summer. An Americana record with indie rock edge in spots, Wilkins delivers a comfortable, ballad-driven listen that compliments his main unit well. Notable is Wilkins voice, an emotionally toned croon that adds extra heartbreak weight into this subtly intricate sound.