It seems like the summer of breakups is upon us here in indie-music-land, following the release of “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love” recently. But that’s nothing new for Aussie/LA indie-rock darlings, Spacey Jane. In fact, masterfully crafting catchy yet bitter breakup tunes is the band’s bread and butter.
Their latest EP, Exit Wounds, is a return to form for the band and truly lives up to its name. The production and lyrical breakdowns are reminiscent of their sophomore album, Here Comes Everybody. The band’s musicality has improved and matured leaps and bounds, but their palatable storytelling of brutal breakups stays just the same. This time around, the 5 track project follows the series of events of a long-distance breakup in order. From the plan, to the moment, all the way through to a bittersweet ending of never truly letting go.
The first track, “I Never See Her,” starts the EP off with a bang. It perfectly captures the complicated anxieties that come with noticing the nearing end of a taxing, long-distance relationship. The upbeat guitar tones and group backup vocals create an earworm that masks a swirling mix of pain, uncertainty, and painful decisions.
The following track, “Watch Me Break the News,” captures the exact moment of the actual breakup. Where feelings collide, and the pains and love of the past rush back. Both people must decide how to continue, bearing the brunt of the misalignment that led to the end of a relationship. Caleb’s emotionally expressive vocals truly transport the listener into these emotions.
“It’s Not Lost on Me” captures the brutal time immediately following a fresh breakup, a painful open wound. The lyrics describe endless days filled with trash bags full of letters and memories, as well as boxes of broken promises for a dreamlike future together. This track utilizes the melancholic tones of an acoustic guitar to express the unique intimacy of the end of a relationship.
When the track “East Village” arrives, some time has passed since the breakup, and the track illustrates a time of spending days at home trying to recuperate. Despite the many hopeless attempts at healing, the lyrics tell the story of someone still grasping the broken glass of the past until their hands bleed. The slower tempo exemplifies how time can be painfully slow-moving in moments like these.
Opening with a melancholic whistle tone, “Sleeping Pills” addresses the awkwardly poignant phase where, at every party, suddenly, everyone is asking you, “What happened with you and them?” and you don’t have an answer. The song illustrates how every time someone innocently asks about what happened, you relive the pain over and over again.
The final track, “Do You Really Love Her,” captures the tone of a seemingly endless time spent missing someone. yearning for a long-gone love.
The lyric “Breakups are business/And love’s the art” perfectly encapsulates the tone of this EP. Spacey Jane has really mastered the art of taking the listener on a bittersweet journey through a song. So, if you’re having a breakup summer, this album is a great pick to cry your heart out to some fantastic indie-rock.
They are currently embarking on a North American tour this summer. Tickets here if you’re interested. As well as supporting Rainbow Kitten Surprise later this year.
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