NEEDTOBREATHE — “Forever On Your Side” Album Review

NEEDTOBREATHE
Forever On Your Side (Niles City Sound Sessions)
(Atlantic)

Forever On Your Side, a small but mighty EP from NEEDTOBREATHE, finds the beloved South Carolina band up to what they do best: crafting catchy pop-rock songs packed with honest emotions and wrapped up in an ever-evolving yet reliable sound. This time around, they teamed up with Fort Worth production trio Niles City Sound to craft a snapshot of their life today.

You’ll hear the longing for simpler life in the slow-burn ballad “Darling” and an anthemic pledge of love and friendship in their titular collaboration with Johnnyswim. Though it lacks the experimental synth flourishes that defined HARDLOVE, the soulful rock of “Bullets” and moody vibe of “Bridges Burn” are equally addictive.

These four songs were recorded in a few weeks and quickly released, but that doesn’t make this EP feel rushed or unpolished. Instead, you’ll get a taste of the urgency and passion behind every NEEDTOBREATHE album.

–Jen Rose Yokel