EP REVIEW: wellthen – ‘The demo EP’

Over the last few years, Chicago’s wellthen has been seen as one of the more alluring names on the local scene. Brimming with this warm and effervescent energy that has seen them compared to the likes of R.E.M., Pavement, Queens of the Stone Age, Radiohead, Foo Fighters and many more, their tenure has certainly been an absorbing one so far. But with two studio albums and some line-up changes since their previous material, the duo are now venturing into a new phase with ‘The demo EP’, a collection of rough ideas they are exploring prior to their next full-length offering.

Despite clearly a rough-cut of compositions, there is still plenty with rich vigour laying amongst these tracks. Continuing to explore more of that bright and alluring indie-rock appeal they have been garnering since their earliest beginnings, ‘The demo EP’ sees them enter this new era within their sound with style and aplomb throughout. Tracks like ‘the way it goes’ perfectly highlight this vibrant direction they are looking to explore as it sweeps and serenades as often as possible.

The newfound pairing may still be getting used to their new structure, but ‘The demo EP’ delivers plenty of promise and vibrant aesthetics from beginning to end. It may have emerged out of a difficult few years, but wellthen look more than set to reintroduce themselves to the fold with some brilliantly engaging offerings here.