EP REVIEW: Where I Should Be – Red Vanilla
Alt-rock newcomers, RED VANILLA, have put out their newest EP Where I Should Be. The Scottish trio have been making waves for themselves with their release of their debut single, Embers, back in 2022 followed by their debut EP in 2024 due to their blend of 90s sounds with pop-focused vocals and melodies. So far, they’ve shared stages with likes of FATHERSON and PULLED APART BY HORSES. And when listening to their newest EP, it’s little wonder as to why so many are excited about this upcoming band.
Opening things up is Electric Blue where we’re first greeted by ethereal sounds where everything feels elevated, both sound-wise and metaphorically, that somehow perfectly captures the colour depicted in the title. This is then followed with low spoken word vocals alongside dreamlike instrumentals that draw you before then shifting into moody alternative rock territory that has the type of sound that one could place in a 00s YA supernatural film soundtrack. In a shorter summary, it’s pretty.
Moving into Hazy, things take on a heavier sound whilst maintaining that moody vibe introduced in the first track, whilst bringing in a pop melody that, along with being heavily inspired by the 90s, also seems inspired by 00s emo sounds. It’s fair to say that RED VANILLA captures a moment from your teenage years, allowing you experience feelings ranging from nostalgic to bittersweet, with Ask Her If She’s Happy being a perfect example with the low-toned 90s alternative sound mixed with 00s pop-rock melodies and harmonies that just sound stunning. And with a droning guitar to help narrate the story told in lyrics that feel a little too close to home, you’ll find yourself thinking ‘I’m in this photo and I don’t like this’.
With RED VANILLA, the other thing you can count on is pure, brutal honesty and raw vulnerability that can be told in a way that feels nostalgic, as mentioned above; the next it can be told in a more stripped back style, as heard on Play Me Something New, that draws comparison to the likes of HAYLEY WILLIAMS’ solo catalogue; and then in the next things can feel angry and loud, as heard on the bass-heavy I Thought I Had It.
This is an incredible EP from a band that anyone and everyone should feel excited about.
Rating: 9/10
Where I Should Be is out now via self-release.
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