A Vast and Enticing New EP from Vanderlye

BuzzSlayers
May 23
4 min read

An EP release from Vanderlye just dropped and this record has such a brilliant way of showcasing a unique breed of honesty and emotion through songs that range from very one on one style, stripped-down singer songwriter style tracks, to robust pop rock singles that all display such a lively and genuine personality that you get hooked on that right from the start.

The very first track, "Understand", is a perfect example of the more stripped-down singer-songwriter style approach, and this is a short track but a beautiful one that introduces you to one of the biggest staples that the EP actually has: honesty.

It is the honesty that pulls you into this record a lot of the time if you pay attention to those lyrics.

This is a huge aspect of how the record unfolds and how it comes through with such robust character.

The following track is called "Reckoning", veering away from the stripped-down approach and bringing in a more cinematic rock vibe. This reminds me of certain kinds of underground 90s pop-rock bands that I grew up listening to, and I had little bouts of nostalgia because of it.

I love the guitar tones and how they are layered, along with how the vocals come through a little bit more powerfully here.

The whole thing definitely showcases a vastness in the undertone of it all, so you get that depth from the music itself, which sets a mood for the lyrics.

The first time I listened to this record, I was much more focused on the music of it all. I have to admit that the music is really what drew me into it, but it's the lyrics that got me the second time around.

"The Plastic Ego" was the next track, and this one had a very unique approach that brought together different elements like that pop-rock but still kind of alternative rock undertone, still with that spaciousness, so you also get that cinematic vibe from this song.

The guitar work was very colorful here, and they also had almost surf-rock feeling chords that were struck and rang out for ages, giving that atmospheric feel.

This is indeed a release that has its own atmosphere, and by the time you get to that third track, you are fully engulfed.

This is a massively and sonically unique but beautiful soundscape that takes those elements of honesty and character and brings them into a place where the moods are set musically, and you're able to soak in the whole aesthetic.

I found this to be quite a gracefully performed record, and it's one that I can certainly tell you should be heard from start to finish.

Listening to one or two songs from this EP is fine and will give you some of those staples you will certainly hear throughout the full release, but it will not give you the full spectrum of what the whole EP has to offer.

There are layers of textures, beautiful atmospheres, notes, and tones floating through the ethers of songs, and so much to soak in.

The way the guitars are performed is brilliant because a lot of the time they swim around in the air that surrounds you, and this is part of why you get engulfed.

Songs like "Terrible Comfort" feel like they were influenced by classic, almost '80s or early '90s style pop songs, and you can hear those kinds of influences come in and out of the record throughout its course.

Some of these songs are completely brilliant and give you melodic hooks, not only at the choruses, but in the verses at times.

Tracks like "Romantic Anarchy" are perfect examples of exactly that.

This track was a bit of a surprise, but then again, this release is full of surprises around its corners, and that's part of what made me love it so much.

No matter who's performing vocals, this record always has performances that portray heart and authenticity.

You can hear a lot of those classic influences vocally as well as musically, but it all has this sound to it and aesthetic that wraps itself around you and keeps you right where it wants to.

This was a beautifully vast record with elements of dream pop floating in and out of it and vintage pop-rock influence strewn throughout its veins.

This is a record to fall in love too. It's a release that makes memories of your own pop into your head at random.

These songs are so beautifully performed and have such a unique soundscape along with that emotional backbone and mood so you end up connecting with them in these crazy ways.

I get a little nostalgic listening to this record because of the obvious influences behind some of these songs and approaches but all in all, this was a gorgeous release that balanced everything dynamically so well, but really had a massive heart and presence.

I suggest once again, listen to this record from beginning to end. Do it all in one shot and try and listen to it with headphones on because it's one of the best ways to soak everything in properly.

Those layers and textures are lush, and headphones will let you grasp everything.

But I digress. Listen for yourself to see what I mean.

Remember where you heard this first.