In Taylor Wilkins’ first full-length album under his Otis Wilkins moniker, the known Austin rocker officially strays from his “Destroyer” persona and sings of being emotionally undone. Though Power of Stuff holds some whiny punk lyricism and undeniably catchy guitar riffs that are reminiscent of Otis the Destroyer’s rock, the Austinite also leans into a slower emo sound. Maybe he was inspired by the sorrow-folk legend behind his 2019 debut single under his new alias, “Joni Mitchell Was Punk.” That track and two others he’s released since, “Charlene” and “Bubble Shuffle,” the latter with local Jake Lloyd, make a fourth of the record’s 12 tracks. Power of Stuff explores power in existentialism (“Death by Neon,” “Ministry of Death and Rebirth”), relationships (“Snotty Boy Rumble,” “Cry at the Moon”), and self-empowerment through it all. The single that previewed the album, “Die in the Daylight,” plays like a profession of Wilkins’ personal desires against some of the raw confessions in other tracks. He sings: “I wanna die in the daylight/ I wanna live on my own time/ Be someone that feels right.” While Wilkins’ Destroyer songs are indelible earworms, blending his instrumental rock sensibility with folkier lyricism is the perfect development for the seasoned musical local.
This article appears in November 14 • 2025.