One aspect of any great piece of music that always stands out is the emotion that immediately hits the listener’s mind and heart when the song plays. Some of the most profound and moving pieces this listener has heard often prompt self-reflection, as well as a broader reflection on the world around us. Taking time to quiet our minds and examine not only our choices, but the path we find ourselves on, is an important part of understanding the world itself.

That vibe and message come through in artist Sirenblue’s “Running Out of Time.” This five-track EP comes from UK-based alt-pop-meets-indie-rock artist Sirenblue, who returns with a refreshing, compelling sound. The band has found a fantastic balance between hopeful, pop-sounding melodies and profound, moving lyrics that tell their own story.

These tracks perfectly capture life’s reflective nature. The title track does a fantastic job exploring people’s tendency to hide the truth from one another, and from themselves; with life being so short, confronting these truths matters more now than ever. The follow-up to this is titled “Mess” and takes a broader theme, exploring the environmental crisis our world faces, the role humans play in that, and how to face that uncertain future. Each of these tracks plays with powerful themes of self-deception and hidden truths, and yet this reviewer’s personal favorite is the final track in the EP, titled “Dance in the Rain.” This track offers an upbeat, harmonious theme of hope and resilience in the face of self-deception, giving readers a chance not only to dance and sing, but to feel empowered and hopeful for the future.

This band does a fantastic job of touching on the important sounds and themes Indie Pop and alt rock have become known for over the years, hitting beats reminiscent of artists like The Marías, Glass Animals, and Lorde. The band’s timeless sound and powerful lyrics shine through the smooth bass and guitar that elevate each track, along with peppy, emotionally tinged vocals that capture these themes. A fast-paced yet deeply moving and compelling EP, stream this fantastic collection of music today!

Rating: 10/10