The alternative rock band returned less than one year after their last album.
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The alternative rock band returned less than one year after their last album.
Every time it seems like the Wallows can’t get any better, they just keep giving more.
Alternative rock band Wallows released its newest EP “More” March 28. The EP coincided with the surprise second leg of their “Model” tour — aptly named “Model & More.”
Unlike the band’s previous projects — which were typically released at least two years apart — ”More” took fans by surprise, dropping less than one year after their sophomore album “Model.”
“More” entangles the complexities of growing old and watching relationships fade with generally upbeat harmonies, giving listeners a rare perspective of love and adulthood through a musical lens.
“More” opens with “Not Alone,” a bright electronic track that immediately hooks listeners.
In typical Wallows fashion, tragic lyrics are juxtaposed with an energizing synth-heavy melody, uniquely highlighting the obscure feelings of losing a relationship and coming to terms with that loss.
“It’s dark in the place where you used to be / And all I have’s the shadow that you left for me / I got pictures in my head workin’ overtime / See the shattered face of you through the blinds,” bass guitarist Braeden Lemasters sings.
Shifting the EP to a calmer tune and more positive outlook, “Deep Dive” emphasizes the excitement and passion of new love. Lemasters and lead singer and rhythm guitarist Dylan Minnette harmonize, singing of intense devotion and adoration for a love.
“Coffin Change” returns to a lively pace, overlaying grave reminders of the importance of living life to the fullest over an otherwise upbeat track. The impassioned song recognizes the struggle of feeling fulfilled while acknowledging the impermanence of time.
“There’s more to life than living / More to life than this / Time, I used to waste all mine / Now time, time wastes me,” Lemasters sings.
The most vibrant track, “Hide It Away,” opens with a strong array of drums and guitar. In line with other songs on “More,” the track also mixes somber lyrics with a chaotic tune, focusing on the discomfort of change and aging.
“Can you put the words back on my tongue? / Are my songs already sung? / Am I done with sounding young?” Minnette sings.
As the song’s weighty drums and guitar riffs compete for the spotlight, the lyrics become even drearier. Minnette reflects on the challenge of growing up and realizing his priorities may not be aligned with what truly matters in life.
“Mother’s alone / Her dog, her home / And mother are gone / Have I been wrong?” Minnette sings.
Returning to the idea of love, “Your New Favorite Song” is a slow but catchy tune that carefully blends instrumental harmonies with lyrics contemplating a turbulent relationship.
“Think I wrote you your new favorite song / Would you pan it, or would you sing along? / It’s more than likely that I’ll never know / But I’ll still look out for you at the show,” Minette sings.
The EP continuously weaves the excitement of love into its themes. “Learn to Love Again” pairs a harmonic melody with the bliss of finding love and learning to start anew.
As “More” comes to a close, the band reprises “Deep Dive,” a reminder of how constant and inescapable thinking of a love interest can be. The track reiterates the lyrics atop a cheerier chorus, bringing to light the joy of connection.
“Come stay, we’ll stay up late / We could lean into the fate / It’s been speaking to us / Can you hear it?” Minnette sings.
“More” comes to an end with the optimistic reprise, giving a glimmer of hope in spite of adulthood’s adversities.
Listen to “More” on all major streaming platforms.
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