7/10

After first making themselves known with a rich array of bold and distinctive indie-rock belters in 2020, which paid homage to the emo and post-punk influences that they garner, Sad Boys Club were quickly on their way to becoming one of this country's most notable newcomers. But rather than continue to pursue that original direction into the new year, they have found themselves leaning even further into those original inspirations, returning now with their new EP 'Echoes In A Shallow Bay', a release that looks to revive their sound in a more commercial-friendly space.

While the distinction between 'Echoes In A Shallow Bay' and anything that came before is clear and progressive, this new collection does have an aura of creative freedom about it. Although it is easy to hear that they are looking to rub shoulders with fellow contemporaries such as Marsicans and The 1975 on here, they are still looking to create a direction that they can call their own. So while there is plenty of classic emo-inspired intentions on the new four-track release, it does stand out just enough to pique plenty of interests, hopefully seeing them move even more into a mainstream arena as a result.

Sad Boys Club have always had the style and aesthetic to see them go the distance, and 'Echoes In A Shallow Bay' is a perfect example of this drive. Their original fanbase may not be jumping for joy at this new move, but it definitely shows they are on the right track, and delivers a confident and succinct return.