Open House deviates from Second To Last’s previous styles, but it definitely doesn’t disappoint. In fact, the EP’s divergence from their past work exposes the band’s deeper, more reflective side and stands as a testament to their growth since the debut EP, Mark Approved.
Songs like “Dressed In Black” and “Skin” showcase artistic development. “Dressed In Black” expresses the consequences of broken family—a commonplace topic in the pop punk genre—in an interesting and abstract approach. Its more typical lyrics like “All I want is to be loved and give love back”, could have easily made it another stereotypical pop punk song, but the creative and thoughtful zinger “You should have showed up to the wedding dressed in black” makes for a refreshing and lyrically charming track. “Skin” best exhibits the band’s musical development; the song’s underlying upbeat style is reminiscent of older tracks like "Eulogy", but the continuously shifting guitar and drum patterns make it more dynamic and explorative than its predecessors.
The EP’s more reflective songs like “Your Couch” and “Right Direction” highlight the band’s personal, individual evolutions as well. “We both know punk rock doesn’t pay” and “I just want to be myself ‘cause I’m just sick of everyone else” describe the many frustrations of adolescence struggles with identity, disappointment in reality, and uncertainty of the future—with an unapologetic bluntness that allows “Your Couch” to connect and resonate with listeners on a raw, honest level.
Open House is the most mellowed-out work the band has released yet, and its tracks are the perfect soundtrack for the transition into dusky fall nights. This EP marks the ripening of the band’s artistic, lyrical, musical, and personal identity. Though not without moments of lyrical predictability, Open House demonstrates Second To Last’s burgeoning maturity and a strong promise of even better projects to come.
Tracklist:
1. Dressed In Black
2. Right Direction
3. Without You (In The Worst Way)
4. Skin
5. Your Couch
RIYL: Smalls, Basement, Such Gold
Rating:
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