Smoke Break has released their debut Self-Titled EP, a four-track sonic journey through a range of inspiration and emotion. The hard-hitting tracks offer a diverse array of genres; over an umbrella of 2000s indie rock, they blend in elements from bouncy post-punk, folk, and emo. The EP contains both energetic anthems and introspective ballads as the prevalent themes touch on social anxiety, depression, and disillusionment. The EP’s opening track, “Talk,” sets the stage with a strong, recognizable indie rock riff. This immediate introduction to the band’s sound and identity is paired with lyrics that touch on social anxiety (“I talk to myself, do you talk to yourself?”), a theme that will be explored further throughout the record. “Earlier Than You Think” keeps the energy going, and changes the topic to rebelling against cynicism. The next track “Pill” builds from a slower ballad about being lost, into a contagious anthem you can’t help but chant along with as an outlet for the frustrations (“it’s hard to escape when there’s nothing to escape from”). The closing track “Empty Skies” leaves us with an anti-war story, the desire to surrender to life’s ongoing battles.
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