Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, O’Malley is beginning to find her niche as a solo singer-songwriter with the release of new EP.

Simple Creatures is a spontaneous new side project formed from All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth and Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus. Their first EP, Strange Love, was released earlier this year and have since grown rapidly from support from their bands and new fans alike. With synth-pop melodies alongside pop-punk power riffs, Simple Creatures is a breath of fresh air to the rock scene blending these elements together. Strange Love has been well and truly shown off at Facedown, London as part of DJ set as well as during their appearance at Download Festival.

With no idea what to expect for the second EP, Everything Opposite delivers an even more dynamic track collection, but this time with more cynicism, distortion and heartbreak. ‘Thanks, I Hate It’ and ‘Special’ address the frustration with feeling underappreciated with sarcasm, monotone verses and screeching lead riffs, while, ‘NVM’ takes a softer approach. It draws attention to Hoppus’ baritone voice in the chorus paired with a simple, infectious synth melody while the verses alternate between the two vocalists alongside a palm-muting guitar lead.

As a whole, Everything Opposite, is contagious and exciting. It captures the essence of new wave synth/pop alongside their beloved pop-punk roots to create a light-hearted and fun EP. It sounds a lot more passionate, raw and explores a larger variety of influences that work well in the form of an EP since the demand of producing a whole album isn’t there, allowing more room for freedom. It’s best played loud to hear it’s full potential.

Rosie Chalk
★★★☆☆

SIMPLE CREATURES - EVERYTHING OPPOSITE EP