Los Angeles-based indie rock band Wallows delighted fans with a fresh blend of bedroom pop and alternative rock in their latest EP, “More,” released March 28.
The seven-track EP is a testament to the band’s natural ability to bring something new and fresh to indie music while never shying away from the classic Wallows feel that fans are so comfortable with.
The tracks were intended to be a part of their third album “Model” released May 24, 2024, but the band believed the extra songs deserved more than just a deluxe release, and wanted them to exist separately to honor them on their own.
While they follow similar themes of reminiscing on past relationships and ballads of longing, these few tracks seem to be what listeners felt was missing from the album. “More” showcases a bit more of the band’s risk-taking as they continue to establish themselves in the indie scene.
While I personally really enjoyed “Model” as it produced fun summer tracks such as “Bad Dream,” “Your Apartment” and “Calling After Me,” some of the album did feel a bit lackluster from what was expected for their third album release.
“More” is exactly the kind of refreshing alternative pop listeners have been craving from them. The chemistry of the trio Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters and Cole Preston is always palpable, and this is more evident with their latest release.
The opening track, “Not Alone,” kicks off with a nostalgic new wave synth that lingers throughout the song. The upbeat melody contrasts with the somber lyrics, which delve into introspection and loneliness, blending melancholy with energy, a classic Wallows move.
In the bridge, Minnette sings, “I’ll wake alone, your ghost is gone again/Enlightened by the sunlight shining in/Now am I constrained in wondering if you think of me?/But either way, we’re still not alone, still not alone.”
It’s clear that “Not Alone” reflects the aftermath of a breakup, feeling haunted by their past lover and the memories of what they used to have while trying to fight the overall loneliness and internal struggle that comes when you lose someone so close in your life.
Track two, as well as its reprise, “Deep Dive,” captures a hazy bedroom pop essence that puts listeners in a dreamy, romantic mood that perfectly complements the song’s message. The lyrics explore themes of devotion and intense obsession, creating an almost trance-like feeling.
Minnette and Lemasters’ playful harmonies shine through in the chorus, as they trade lyrics, “I hope that you know (I will never run your heart around)/I hope that you know (I will never ever let it drown).”
Moving on to track three, one of my personal favorites, “Coffin Change,” Lemasters brings listeners through a journey of self-reflection, grappling with an existential inner crisis. The song works through the anxiety of limited time and constant change.
In the second verse, Lemasters brings the paranoia of running on wasted time to listeners, “Is therе more, more to death than dying?/Morе, more than life to live?/If time, time will outrun me/Then why do I still run?”
I’m obsessed with the cheerful beat of this song and its indie surf-rock vibe. The lyrics feel reminiscent of their debut album “Nothing Happens,” capturing that same sad nostalgic, relatable energy we all love.
Accompanied by a new music video, track four “Hiding Away,” clearly marks the band’s venture into new territory. With its raw guitar riffs and driving drums, the song captures the alt-rock energy reminiscent of early 2000s The Killers.
It is definitely a more unique track compared to Wallows’ usual sound, complemented by lyrics that follow the insecurities that come with being a musician as well as the common theme of coping with getting older, “Are my songs already sung?/Am I done with sounding young?”
The lyrics are an honest reflection of the fear of judgment and disappointment when there are expectations already made out for you, “Cause it’s fine if I choke up, I’ll hide it away/I can fake it anyway, if the tears fall off my face.”
Track five, “Your New Favorite Song,” is through and through a Wallows song, standing out as one of their best on the EP. The smooth saxophone blends effortlessly with flowy guitar plucks and a dreamy piano, creating a sound that feels both sophisticated and unmistakably their own.
Minnette’s delicate voice carries the song with graceful harmonies, evoking a deep sense of longing in the context of a relationship. This vulnerable ballad beautifully highlights his emotional depth with lyrics like, “Thought I heard a voice, thought I saw a face/It was but a noisе gone without a trace/Will I hear it again?”
Track six, “Learn to Love Again,” delivers a heartfelt message about healing, starting over and rediscovering trust. It captures that light at the end of the tunnel feeling, the moment when you realize everything will be okay again.
The cheerful drums echo the vibe of their 2018 single “Drunk on Halloween,” while the beautiful piano adds depth, really elevating the song.
“More” is undeniably a playful and vibrant exploration of what Wallows does best, showcasing their signature indie sound while experimenting and morphing their talents with new elements.
There’s no doubt that this 21-minute EP introduces some new fan favorites and we can definitely expect to hear a few of these tracks on their setlist during their upcoming “Model and More” tour this summer.
