B-Side Guys

Emerging from Israel’s southernmost port city, Two Cent Critics harness their decade-plus musical partnership to transform relationship regret into neo-soul gold with “What I Wanted.” The July 2024 single showcases how five musicians from Eilat can craft something that feels both geographically distinct and universally resonant.

Maya Levy’s vocal performance navigates emotional territory with surgical precision, particularly in the opening confession “I wanted you to kiss me more/I wanted you to care.” Her delivery transforms simple statements into complex emotional landscapes, each repetition revealing new layers of meaning beneath seemingly straightforward desires.

The rhythm section of Ron Banano and Tslil Keren creates a foundation that’s both technically impressive and emotionally intuitive. Their interplay during the “fun, easy, casual” bridge section demonstrates how groove can underscore narrative, with the bass and drums engaging in dialogue that mirrors the song’s central conflict between casual connection and deeper longing.

Zakriel “Zaki” Vadovatch’s saxophone work deserves particular attention, providing commentary rather than mere accompaniment. His lines weave through Levy’s vocals like remembered conversations, adding depth to lines like “And it’s heavy on my heart” without overwhelming the emotional core of the delivery.

The production approach emphasizes space and dynamics, allowing each instrument room to breathe while maintaining the intimate feel necessary for such personal subject matter. This is particularly effective during the list-like sections (“In the car/Sitting at my desk/In the shower”) where the arrangement strips back to emphasize the omnipresent nature of unwanted thoughts.

Guitarist Aviel Kariv demonstrates remarkable restraint, using his technical prowess to serve the song rather than dominate it. His subtle embellishments during the repeated “I’m alone” sections add textural depth that reinforces the isolation described in the lyrics without resorting to blues cliché.

The track’s structure mirrors its thematic exploration of how casual relationships can develop unexpected weight. Beginning with straightforward neo-soul elements, it gradually incorporates more complex arrangements that reflect the complications of developing deeper feelings. This progression feels organic rather than forced, thanks to the band’s long-standing chemistry.

The success of “What I Wanted” lies in how it transforms specific personal experience into something universally relatable while maintaining its distinctive musical identity. The band’s Eilat origins inform their approach to soul music without defining it, creating something that honors tradition while carving out new territory.

Two Cent Critics have crafted a sophisticated exploration of romantic regret that demonstrates how neo-soul can evolve without losing its emotional core. It’s a promising indication of what their debut album “Right Here” might offer, suggesting that Eilat might need to be added to the map of significant soul music cities.