EP Review: “Locals 5” by WILLIS
By Liam Hennessey
Formed a decade ago in Florence, Alabama, WILLIS started out as a casual creative outlet amongst friends. However, given their recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show promoting Locals 5, it’s safe to say that the band has garnered the attention of mainstream America. I jumped at the chance to check out this release, and here is what I observed:
First and foremost, let’s discuss how the record sounds. The best way to describe this project would be as indie bedroom pop with strong influences from the Salad Days era of Mac DeMarco. The guitars are jangly, the vocals are softer than a mattress, and this EP would fit perfectly on a Spotify playlist labeled “Chill Vibes.” Locals 5 sticks to this style throughout, delivering a cohesive project. The record as a whole, but especially Real Vacation or Twist of Fate, is the perfect soundtrack for beach days and long drives. Contrasting that, Inertia starts off with a somber bass line that would feel at home on a Joy Division track. Definitively the darkest track of the bunch, it still has its place in the EP and keeps listeners like myself coming back.
The lyrical themes on this record are also impressively cohesive. Most of the EP’s lyrics revolve around the concept of moving on. This concept makes itself known with the opening track, Break Ur Heart Again. WILLIS took a less typical route of lyrical commentary. Refreshingly mature, this song immediately sets the tone of the entire release. From front to back, lead singer Murphy Billings sets himself apart with deeply personal lyrics that go unseen under the guise of bright instrumentals. WILLIS ends on a positive note for their audience despite the more emotional theme, with the song Nevermind’s lyrics, “No more looking back, just leave it behind.”
Overall, this was a great listen and Locals 5 will definitely be added to my regular listening mix. After 10 years of putting themselves out there, one can only guess what WILLIS will do next. Whatever they may have in store for us down the pipeline, I’m definitely looking forward to it! Anyone looking for indie music not just at its best but at its most "indie," I’d highly recommend you check out this project.
