On March 25, rock band Wallows came out with their sophomore album “Tell Me That It’s Over.” Dealing with the themes of processing relationships and moving forward from past experiences, the album also brings back producer Ariel Rechtshaid for 10 new songs.

In terms of instrumental experience, Dylan Minette continues to play the rhythm guitar while Cole Preston and Braeden Lemasters take the drum kit and bass guitar, respectively. The composition of the album continues the band’s alt-rock identity while incorporating the newer aspects of synth beats and layered vocals. 

Starting off with the song “Hard to believe,” the trio utilizes violins as an exposition to the main chorus with electric guitars and synth beats to maximize the experience without sounding disjointed. The vocals continue the theme of monotonous “speak-singing” that the Wallows have come to be known for, juxtaposed by the heavy background instrumentals and stunning visuals. 

“At the end of the day” is one of the music videos released as part of the album, portraying nostalgic retro wave visuals featuring skylines and casinos, perfect for a late-night drive on a trip down memory lane. The lyrics emphasize the process of living in the moment and the intimacy of small details in the progression of a relationship.

Each song in chronological order has an extra element of significance added through transitions ranging from electric guitar samples to layering vocals. “Permanent price” is a favorite of mine due to the change in tempo in contrast to the other pieces on the album. The song layers female vocals with the lead singer to create a sense of partnership throughout the song.

Ultimately, the album incorporates elements characteristic of previous Wallows singles and EPs while also including more experimental aspects, such as new instrumentals and changing lead vocals in order to refresh their perspective. The lyrical elements are significant to the album’s theme and serve a unique purpose in the listening experience. Although the album isn’t particularly life-changing or revolutionary, it is a progression of the band from their first album that certainly highlights their ability to mature and grow artistically while still maintaining their unique sound.