Strongboi released their first ever EP, simply titled ep. 1 on Halloween.

However, this release is far from spooky. Strongboi encapsulates an indie-esque lovesick persona upon these 15 minutes of chill grooves. “special” is definitely my favorite track.

“I don’t know if we’re ready to go /

To the place where nothing could be in between us /

Now let’s face our destiny /

Ah-ah-ah /

I’ve been waiting for something to change me /

But that never works /

I’m trying to have more faith in my abilities /

Will I ever see the truth in front of me and you? “

A few friends and I saw this group open for Men I Trust at the Masonic Temple in Detroit this past August, and I can confidently say they’re a group that sounds just as good live as they do in their recorded songs.

This ep feels like the narrator spending an afternoon thinking to themselves through melodic sways, dreamy in nature. At times, they’re also talking through an uncertainty resonant to themselves and a close friend, maybe a potential partner. Listening to ep 1 replicates those stages in rumination where you’re sinking and then acknowledging your internal feelings.

To me, “special” is the highlight of the ep. This track is a bit more upbeat and optimistic about the narrator’s situation, and interestingly the shortest on the ep. “special” contains that almost jazzy backtrack partnered with soft, yet expressive vocals. There’s a repetition within the guitar riff that offers an indie pop punch contrasting the soft piano in the background, creating a sense of calm, yet radiant energy. The ending offers this airy lift as the song fades, like the peak of the narrator’s feeling floating away from them. 10/10 certified jam.

Be sure to check out other great tracks on this ep, like “special,” “be mine” and “favorite place.” Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.