Lothario

Hailing from the UK, the duo known as Gold Spectacles embrace a lo-fi electro-pop style that makes you nostalgic for something you never knew you lost. Their sound is both warm and so, so cold all at once – which I attribute to their brilliantly haunting vocal style. This review is another homage to a song that carried me through the pandemic and I’m excited to introduce you to it.

Lothario is fundamentally a song about uncertainty in a relationship, something to which all of us can relate. Here’s what the band had to say about it: “We like to write a certain degree of juxtaposition into our songs. ‘Lothario’ is an upbeat track on the surface but if you dig deeper, you discover it’s riddled with dark undertones and flawed characters.” I love it when a song forces me to pull out a dictionary. For those unaware, a “Lothario” is basically a womanizer. Someone who is charming but not especially loyal. We’re introduced to the alleged Casanova with a question: “Are you a real Lothario? God only knows you’ve had your way. Or are you filled with sorrow? I don’t believe in all they say.” Sometimes in relationships we have to choose to trust, despite what our logical side might be telling us. Choosing to brush off the allegations, the subject is choosing to believe something better may lie ahead.

To properly capture the innocence of a budding relationship, the track begins with a simple guitar lick, filtered high for even more simplicity, accompanied by some finger snaps. A few clean electric guitar stabs create a subtle ambience, easing us into a drum groove that stays minimal, built on just bass and snare. The lyrics continue to paint a picture of curiosity and doubt before we enter the chorus: “But I don’t know if you're the Leader of the pack or you’re a Joker.”

As the chorus drops, we’re finally treated to the bass guitar – and after such a long stretch without low end, it feels instantly satisfying. It’s aligned precisely with the kick drum throughout for additional punch. The vocal melody during the chorus is unmistakably pop, the kind that practically demands a sing-along. “Give me one or two more lines. I can’t make my mind up either way. Are you afraid of the light? I can′t read your tracks that cover left and right.” Paired with staccato keys and a groovy beat, it’s irresistibly head-nodding, despite the subject matter.

In the bridge the love spell appears to have broken: “I wish you hadn′t spoken. Dragged me to the ocean when both my hands were open. All promises were broken.” The bridge itself is minimal but does its job as a mental refresh before leading back into the final chorus. One of my favorite moments in the song is the lead-in to the chorus, where the opening line is sung an octave lower over the same simple guitar from the intro, just before the full chorus hits for a much appreciated encore.