wellthen releases ‘The demo EP’

wellthen is a band coming out of the Chicago music scene which first made an entrance as a quartet in 2016 with the debut album, At least I’m Doing Something. In 2020, the band returned to follow up with their sophomore record titled Motivational Quotes from Successful People.

Following a hiatus from releasing music and undergoing line up shifts, wellthen have returned this year as a duo with new material. Now featuring the talents of Aurelio Damiani on vocals and guitar with Christian Fields on drums and vocals, the pair are preparing to record a new full-length record.

Ahead of the upcoming LP, they now mark their renewed creative journey with their brand new EP titled The demo EP. The pair, who’ve been collaborators for over two decades, bring an enduring friendship and a unique musical approach to the latest chapter of their sonic story.

This EP showcases their ability to blend melodic indie rock with reflective lyrics and intricate arrangements, drawing inspiration from iconic bands such as R.E.M., Pavement, Queens of the Stone Age, The Promise Ring, Radiohead and The Foo Fighters. Built on punchy guitar riffs, slick drum rhythms, subtle synth layers and tender vocals, the five songs on the EP deftly distil elements of intensity and intimacy into a cohesive sound.

Kicking off the release with “this time,” the gentle tap of drums ushers in a bright indie rock sound as soft vocals hover above airy clean guitar chords and the lively rattle of the percussion. Rising with smooth vocal melodies, crunching guitar and pulsing bass tones, the intricate ebb and flow bends from dreamy aesthetic and hushed vocals in the verses to the subtly anthemic burst of energy in the choruses where catchy leads ride above a rousing rock arrangement.

With “the way it goes,” delicate guitar flutters and an uptempo drum shuffle form a balance between delicate instrumentation and charged energy. Developing with memorable hooks and surging guitar tones, it’s a superb display of the pair’s timeless songwriting talent and their musicianship flair that brings it alive in a compelling fashion.

“side” follows with the ominous rumble of synth texture and crash of cymbal which is met with the twang of guitar and gentle vocals, setting up a kaleidoscopic ride of constantly shifting moods to deliver a thrilling listening experience. “house of gold” presents a dynamic rock scene that perfectly captures wellthen’s knack for blending elegant vocals and blissful melodies with energising guitar-based stylings.

Closing the EP with “most days,” the laid back groove of the rolling drums, lightly gritty guitar and colourful tinges of synths underpin an expressive vocal performance as the arrangement swells to a raucous finale of lofty melodic lines and bold instrumentation to deliver an epic conclusion to the band’s stellar new EP release. As they prepare to hit the studio for their forthcoming record, set to drop this summer, The demo EP sees wellthen return in truly spectacular fashion.

Listen to The demo EP below