Rising indie-pop quintet Annie and the Jays dive deep into the complexities of love, lust, and insecurity with their latest EP, DUSK. Brimming with wistful melodies and raw introspection, the project navigates the highs and lows of relationships, capturing the moments when emotions teeter on the edge of control.
Opening with their breakout single, “If You Wanted To You Would,” the EP sets a dreamy and nostalgic tone. The track blends confessional lyrics with shimmering indie-pop textures, evoking the anticipation of a summer road trip at dusk. It’s a perfect encapsulation of the excitement of attraction tempered by the anxiety of unrequited feelings.
“Too Shallow” shifts gears with a dose of post-breakup empowerment. Born out of a raw, emotional piano session, the track has been transformed into an anthem of resilience. Its dynamic energy and heartfelt delivery make it a standout and a crowd favorite at the band’s live shows.
In “Shipwrecked,” the band explores the tumultuous process of healing after a breakup. With its evocative imagery of clinging to wreckage, the song captures the push-and-pull of letting go versus holding on, creating a poignant and cathartic listening experience.
Closing the EP, “Drifting Out” turns inward, addressing the struggles of losing oneself to sadness. A beacon of hope, the song reassures listeners that brighter days are ahead, weaving confessional storytelling with the band’s signature nostalgic indie-rock sound.
Annie and the Jays masterfully balance vulnerability with infectious hooks, their sound rooted in confessional singer-songwriter honesty but elevated by pop melodies and nostalgic indie-rock arrangements. The EP’s blend of emotional depth and tongue-in-cheek commentary makes DUSK an engaging and relatable exploration of love and loss.
The band has already made waves with over 27,000 streams for their debut single and performances at iconic venues like King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and the Voodoo Rooms. With DUSK, they solidify their place as one of indie-pop’s most promising new acts.
