With over 275+ million streams on Spotify, 20+ million views on Youtube, 20+ million streams on Soundcloud, Smallpools is a band you will want to get familiar with.
This Nashville/Los Angeles indie-rock band just released their newest single and EP under the title “life of the party”. (It isn’t until late 2021 that we will get a second LP from them, but anything will satisfy the craving we have for new Smallpools tunes.)
After listening to the alternative rock single ‘life of the party’, I immediately knew the full EP was worth a review. The EP is infused with the group’s signature sound of electro-pop melodies and contagious soundscapes. This is only a small taste of what we can expect from their next full-length album titled “Life in a Simulation”.
The first thing I noticed about each individual song is that they all seem to tell a very cohesive and complete story. Starting with ‘life of the party’, which was quick to become a fan favorite, has a very raw, cosmic sound to it. It borders on the edge between reality and surrealism. The lyrics seem to have a very similar purpose. Asking many times ‘Are you the life of the party now’, alongside lyrics like ‘Shattered your car window’ and ‘Your ivory tower’s gonna burn / Straight to the ground’. I kind of like the juxtaposition of seeing the excitement of someone, but also realizing their faults. It keeps that dream alive while eliminating the pedestal we put them on. And yes, I have already added this to my personal playlist.
Moving on to “science fiction”, this song almost seems lighter, softer. In this song, science fiction and love blend in a dreamy collaboration. It talks of a lifelong love, growing up on the same street, but never actually crossing paths and hoping to live together in a galaxy. Is love fiction or just the relationship we dream of? This song in particular has a very heavy Walk the Moon type sound, which isn’t surprising as they have opened for them before!
“simulation” is next and the first thing I got from this song is the idea that big brother is always watching. The song starts off by telling us to “Throw away your new TV / They’re controlling what they feed me”. Still keeping a heavy theme on relationships and love, but with the idea that someone else is always watching or telling us what our next move is. While this EP is definitely one of my new favorites, I think “simulation” and the song that follows “cycle” might be my least favorites.
These two just don’t seem to be the original content we usually hear from Smallpools. “cycle” does have that coming-of-age sound that I am an absolute sucker for, so I can’t say I don’t love it. While the lyrics are simple, the idea that love and heartbreak are anything but. I almost could see this as a post-break up healing song. You are finally over your ex and ready to move on, but something is still pulling you back. Maybe not, let me know if anyone agrees.
Lastly, we have “slowdown” featuring morgxn. Now, this is the unique Smallpools sound and lyrics I want. I particularly like this song for its message. I personally keep myself overbooked at all times and forget to slow down in the moments that allow it. I have the idea in my head that I can sleep when I’m dead and there is work to be done, so why not do it? The sound is almost mellow, but grunge? The indie-rock is very prominent in this song and I am here for it.
Overall, a solid EP from Smallpools. The messages are clear, the sound is unique for each song; and I am definitely excited to hear their full length at the end of 2021. I think Smallpools is a group that is going to be huge one day.
Check out their upcoming tour dates below!
Smallpools
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