You may have heard whispers of Before You Exit, but through their newest effort, All The Lights, you’re going to start hearing a lot more than that from them. They hit the ground running with their newest direction, showing they have the talent and skills to be close to near full realization while still growing as people and musicians in the ever changing pop scene. Still as catchy as ever, their 6-song tracklist is packed with anthems, longing, and mature realizations.
Their years-long dedication to making this EP is shown in their first single off of it, “Model.” It was the first song they wrote for the collection of songs and marks when they found where they wanted go next sonically. It’s an empowering singalong about beauty being in the eye of the beholder and shows off a dance beat, as well as the pipes of lead vocalist, Riley McDonough. It’s the perfect song to bring people into a new world of music that these guys are creating.
“Other Kids” is the song that best expresses the thoughts of everyone who’s ever felt young and stuck, thinking that the grass is greener on the other side. It’s the big jam track of the album and feels very anthemic and fun. It’s also nice to hear the alternating vocals between older brother, Connor, and Riley. You could just imagine it as the massive closer at the end of their show.
“I Won’t Stop” holds a certain fierceness to track and sticks to its guns in lyrics like, “I’ll never be somebody else just to make it / No, I’ll never go living a lie just to fake it…I won’t stop until I’m on top.” It’s the perfect song to come after “Other Kids” because while the first one says to just focus on what you’re doing because everyone else thinks everyone is doing better, this one says to be yourself and not stop working until you get where you want to be, despite those who want you to fail. The passion and determination is very much heard in the vocals and beat of the song. It was inspired by an experience with a producer who kept trying to make them conform to rules of pop and, in turn, is the reason Connor produced much of their EP.
“When I’m Gone” is a masterpiece. It crescendos from the verses to the choruses with effortless flow and meaning. It serves as the second single off the EP and complements their new style best.
A definite highlight of the EP is “Suitcase.” It’s an endearing and honest love song about a long-distance relationship, hinting at their touring, and how you’d like to just bring this person with you everywhere, but life is your obstacle. When the bridge melody hits, which was written by the youngest, Toby, it gives it an upbeat singalong aspect. The harmonies are also impressive to listen to this one. I’d be lying if I said it won’t make you a bit misty-eyed.
Their last song, “Radiate”, is the perfect closer to the album. Similar to the title, it shines as another empowerment song that is very much about that person who just lights up the room with their personality. Its lyric, “All the lights in your eyes”, reveals where the EP’s title comes from. It’s the last thing you hear while “radiate” is repeated behind it.
Before You Exit displays the talent and drive that goes years beyond their collective youth in this and gives us a preview into what their album will sound like on All the Lights. Don’t be surprised when you begin hearing them everywhere with their infectious sound and incredible lyrics. They’re only going to get even better from here.