Hailey, It Happens - Under the Brilliant Lights (EP Review)

The new Hailey, It Happens EP starts off a little different than their debut album Aurora did. The electronic claps on "I Gave Her My Heart, She Gave Me A Pen" kind of set the tone for Aurora. The new EP, Under The Brilliant Lights, starts with "Holiday" and it sets the tone of the new EP in the same way . However, it is slightly different this time around. It's still pop, but with an almost R&B twist that we've seen recently from acts like The Weeknd or Frank Ocean.

"Cuernavaca" sounds like a emo/punk infused version of The Weeknd. It's really good and might be one of the better songs Hailey, It Happens has ever released. Overall the EP has kind of a somber, pulsing feel. I liked Aurora, but honestly this a huge step up for the band. It's impressive to see how much the band has improved and how they refined their style on this EP. The vocal performance on the EP is really good as well. Lyrically I think the band shows some growth and maturity.

Some of the EP's biggest strengths are found in the subtle nuances and ambient sounds that are found sprinkled throughout the EP. It helps set the tone and strengthens the songs a lot. Check out "Washington Square" to hear what I'm talking about. The little things in that song and the way they work with the whole adds a ton to the song. The songs have a great mixture of high quality song writing and high quality vocals that easily equals a win for the group.

Under The Brilliant Lights is a big step up from it's predecessor and a really solid release. The band has crafted a really good listening experience and the artwork really captures the vibe and experience you get when you listen to the EP. Check this out. It's well worth a listen.

Under the Brilliant Lights is out January 28, 2014

Stream "Cuernavaca" here: http://haileyithappens.bandcamp.com/