bardz unveils soul-stirring EP ‘the only way out is through’

Recommended tracks: “leave me alone,” “the only way out is through,” “oil and water”
Artists you may mike: SIAS, Laska, Indy Stanton

bardz’s brand new EP, the only way out is through, is yours to stream today, May 30th. The production of the EP is stacked full with different kinds of layers, and it’s a beautiful representation of mixing pop, indie, and electronic music for all. Crafted as a coming-of-age narrative, the only way out is through examines bardz’s own upbringing — from the chaos of a stormy household to the emotional reckoning that follows.

bardz is a one-man band who sings, plays guitar, drums, keys, and DJs tracks to deliver unforgettable live performances. He began his rise to fame with traction around his release “Don’t Really Mind” and his version of “Midnight City,” accumulating over 10 million streams across all platforms. The Los Angeles-based artist utilizes this new project to be vulnerable with his audience. The EP hones in on an intimate storytelling narrative with sweeping, cinematic production.

the only way out is through focuses on the message that growth only comes from moving through the difficult times. Opening with “leave me alone,” bardz uses his personal experiences from childhood to encapsulate his message. He paints a picture of isolation, using his bedroom as both refuge and retreat from the chaos of a stormy household. The song opens with a mysterious-sounding intro, leaving the listener on the edge of their seat wondering where the EP will take them. The track “no:pm” follows a similar theme regarding these family hardships.

The song “think about you always” features Fi Sullivan and bardz collaborating together. The track is introduced by Sullivan’s magnetic vocals harmonizing with bardz’s synths and drum patterns. As the song progresses, it adds different kinds of distorted sounds, giving the track an eerie vibe. At the song’s conclusion, Fi Sullivan and bardz sing a duet with the lines, “and I think about you always, and I wonder if you feel it too.”

The title track is a glitchy, indie/lo-fi track that opens with slow distorted synths, representing the tough times we have to go through in order to grow into who we want to be. The following track, “oil and water,” sees Fi Sullivan’s return against a plucky guitar lick. The track revolves around the themes of a toxic love cycle, of two people who are holding onto something they want so badly to work, but that has already gone sour.

The standout single, “hold me close,” acts as a reply to “leave me alone,” presenting an open letter to bardz’s father, framed by vivid mountainous imagery and deep emotional reflection. He makes the recording sound more like a conversation than a simple song. His voice trembles just enough to let us feel the pauses, the unsaid words, and the quiet plea for forgiveness.

the only way out is through is a powerful reflection of bardz’s journey through personal turmoil and growth, blending raw emotion with intricate production to create a memorable, genre-defying EP. Each track weaves a narrative of vulnerability and resilience, from the haunting isolation in “leave me alone” to the intimate duet in “think about you always.” With the support of collaborators like Fi Sullivan, bardz crafts a sonic landscape that mirrors the emotional highs and lows of his experiences. The EP stands as a testament to the healing power of confronting and moving through life’s challenges, offering listeners an immersive experience that’s both personal and universally relatable.