After months of cryptic orange posters plastered on the walls of record stores across the country, California indie band, Wallows, released their new rocking EP, More. With a full tracklist of 7 songs, 3 of which were deluxe tracks on specific pressings of their most recent LP, Model, that released in May of last year.
The band has been teasing this EP for quite a while, when they announced their Model & More Tour for the east coast of North America back in October of last year. Initially, fans picked up that they had something up their sleeve, but weren’t sure exactly what.
“Your New Favorite Song” was released as a single in early January, followed by “Coffin Change” in late February. With the band playing “Hide It Away” on a few stops along the tour before it was officially released.
The EP starts out with a bang, with opening track “Not Alone.” Complete with heavy synths, intense guitar, and poignant vocals. “Not Alone” explores the feelings of shame, melancholy, and bitterness that often follow a long-term breakup, often feeling as if you’re haunted by what is no longer there. These feelings are expressed through lyrics like “You make a mold, our ghost is gone again.”
Moving on to track 2, “Deep Dive” as well as it’s reprise, is an ode to desire and devotion. In stark contrast with the coy and honeymoonish harmonies of “Calling After Me” or “Anytime, Always” off Model, “Deep Dive” explores the sincere desire to commit unlike ever before. With lyrics like “I hope that you know (If you’re ever lost you will be found).”
“Coffin Change” doesn’t hold back in any sense of the word. It tackles a common theme throughout their discography, and that is, dealing with time and change. Many fans compared it to the track “Treacherous Doctor” from their debut album, Nothing Happens, as they both tackle the idea that despite being so young, the hands of the clock stop for no one. “Coffin Change” really impresses with the complex lyricism, with striking double entendres like “If time, time will outrun me, then why do I still run?”
“Hide it Away” comes out swinging, with thunderous drums and piercing guitars. Musically, the intense track is quite unique from the rest of their discography. “Hide It Away” gets surprisingly raw, describing the struggle of not wanting to bottle up feelings, but unsure of how to process negative emotions. Displayed through lyrics like “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.”
“Your New Favorite Song” is a cozy, indie hit with intimate acoustic guitar and sweet lyrics. It’s reflective and even touches on feelings of insecurity with lyrics like “Do you like not having me at home?”.
“Learn to Love Again” is reminiscent of “You (Show Me Where My Days Went)” and “Canada” off Model. With themes of healing, adoration and conquering the fears of starting over with someone new, and being vulnerable again.
Now that the full tracklist has been released, their improved lyricism and increased complexity within their musical elements are absolutely obvious. More bears a striking contrast to the flirty and summery tracks off their previous LP Model, and yet still carries the classic indie-rock sound that they’re known for. It gives us an emotional and introspective approach to topics of still-stinging breakups, being vulnerable with people you love, and fighting through growing pains.
More is an impressive and mature addition to their discography, and they will be singing it along with crowds of fans as they continue their tour across the U.S. as well as a few festivals this upcoming summer.
You can listen to More on Apple Music, Spotify and other streaming platforms.
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