On March 28, alternative-indie pop band Wallows released their newest EP, “More,” highlighting their evolving artistic identity that has transitioned closer to the rock genre. The album’s contemplative lyrics explore themes such as growing older, falling in and out of love and self-discovery.
Wallows — consisting of members Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters and Cole Preston — hinted at the EP’s release earlier this year throughout their ongoing Model and More Tour that features the band’s 2024 album “Model.” “More” consists of seven tracks, many of which are unreleased songs from “Model.” As opposed to their previous releases, “More” focuses on the band’s maturity rather than the childhood nostalgia that characterized albums “Tell Me That It’s Over” and “Nothing Happens.”
The EP opens with “Not Alone,” which features a great blend of pop and rock and gives listeners a taste of Wallows’ new style while retaining much of their old sound. The song’s beat — particularly during its second half, when the drums become prominent — is reminiscent of the backtrack of “Only Ecstasy,” a song on “Model.” Upbeat and uplifting, “Not Alone” is the perfect song for a drive to the beach with friends.
The band frequently draws inspiration from their daily lives in their songwriting process, and “Deep Dive” exemplifies this perfectly. The song highlights the turmoil of falling in love with someone who doesn’t love you back, and the highs and lows of the track take the listener through the different stages of a relationship. “I hope that you know” echoes as the backing vocal during the outro of the track, serving as a reminder that one cannot erase their wrongdoings and emphasizing the significance of trust in love.
After “Deep Dive,” the EP abruptly transitions into “Coffin Change,” featuring a blend of bass guitar and drums. The track is distinctively angry and moody — a jarring contrast from the previous track. “Coffin Change” is also Wallows’ first released song that features rock-heavy instrumentals, and Lemasters — rather than the lead vocalist, Minnette — sings the entire track. The song’s message diverges from those of the other tracks on the EP, instead centering themes of gaining fame and dying young. “If there’s a price to pay, maybe I’ll find it in my pocket / Pinching all my pennies ’til they shove me in my coffin,” Lemasters repeats during the track’s chorus.
The next track, “Hide It Away,” continues to feature heavy instrumentals. An immediate fan-favorite since it debuted during the Wallows’ tour, the song is a perfect reflection of the band’s journey of growth and maturity in the industry. “Hide It Away” still has prominent hints of indie-pop scattered throughout the song, reflecting how the band — and their music — has grown over the years.
“Your New Favorite Song” — released as the EP’s lead single earlier this year — captures the reminiscing stage of a breakup. The lyrics illustrate a sense of longing, emphasizing how hard it is to move on into a different stage of life after a relationship. Filled with “what ifs,” the bridge descends into post-relationship overthinking. The instrumentals of the track become much calmer and laid-back, similar to songs on the Wallows’ 2018 EP, “Spring.” The addition of horns adds a new element to the track, while the sounds of a guitar create a sense of nostalgia.
Before concluding with a more upbeat reprise of “Deep Dive,” the new EP features “Learn to Love Again,” the longest track on the 22-minute project. The track’s lyrics illustrate the process of reflecting on past relationships, learning from mistakes and finding love again. A completely indie-pop track, “Learn to Love Again” has a catchy pitch that sounds lighter and happier compared to some of the EP’s rock-heavy tracks. However, the track truly stands out due to its tender lyricism, which embraces the vulnerability of finding the ability to love again.
“More” is exactly what it says it is, giving audiences a more mature version of the band’s sound and lyrics and a fresh take on their old style. The EP showcases Wallows’ exceptional songwriting skills, as well as their ability to deliver meaningful messages within their sound. The constant sonic changes throughout the album reflect the many different styles Minnette, Lemasters and Preston have explored throughout their careers, emphasizing their long journey in the industry — and the long road ahead of them.
