Marmalade’s Sober EP is a sun-soaked, genre-blending joyride full of hits waiting to be added to your new summer soundtrack.

Right from its simmering drum intro, Bright sets the tone, making it clear this EP is going to be on repeat all summer. Lyrics like "Will I ever make it, or will I have to fake it until I’m bright?" hit hard and close to home, coupled with dreamy melodies and super smooth vocals. And just when you think it couldn’t get better, Marmalade slips in a perfectly timed electric guitar solo post-second chorus, lifting the track to a whole new level. This opening track is the sort of anthem that stays with you, making you want to dance around the living room while reflecting on life at the same time.

Awkward then takes a direct plunge into a more upbeat, alternative-rock feel, reminiscent of other NZ groups like The Beths and There’s A Tuesday, both in songwriting and sound. Luan Meaker’s production perfectly captures what it feels like to zoom down a rural highway with windows down, music on full blast, and wind whipping through your hair, making this track my favourite one.

Afterward, don’t let the bouncy beat and groovy arrangement of Houston deceive you, as its lyrics are equally as vulnerable as they are catchy. With lines like, "Somebody help me out / I’m sick of myself / Would someone tell Houston / I’m signing over and out", Marmalade’s pen proves to be painfully relatable, but in a way that makes you feel less alone. It’s this balance of realness and hope that makes listeners confront their own doubts without getting lost in them – the mark of true, experienced songwriters.

And just when you think you’ve got Sober figured out, Caffeine High drops in, steering the EP in a refreshingly unexpected reggae direction. With a syncopated guitar, funky bassline, and playful drum fills, the song showcases Jemilah Ross-Hayes and Koen Aldershof’s vocal chemistry, harmonising and blending in ways only artists who really understand each other can. The time, dedication and care Marmalade poured into this project does not go unnoticed and is especially clear in this absolute jam of a song. And of course, there's another electric guitar solo — Marmalade isn’t holding back. The sheer effort and joy they pour into their craft shine through in every lyric and every beat.

Cigarette Habit opens with birdsong, a nice touch that sets the scene for a song whose lyricism relies on storytelling, where Marmalade puts their own spin on Alice In Wonderland. In the first verse, the lyrics reveal why the EP is named Sober: "You’re going sober / You’re getting older / … I’m going sober / I’m getting older". It’s a song about growth, discovery, connection, and is the perfect closing note for the EP. The catchy melody of the outro and dreamy, atmospheric production (Koen Aldershof) had me head-bopping along right to the last second. And just when you think it’s over, there’s one more killer electric guitar line, a reminder that Marmalade are not only fans, but masters, at a sick guitar riff, whether in the background or in a spotlighted solo.

Each of the five tracks on Sober takes you somewhere beautifully unexpected while still managing to remain cohesive, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time listener, this EP deserves a spot on your summer road trip playlist. Marmalade have created something truly special, and I’m here to tell you: they’ve won me over. Give Sober a listen, and I guarantee you’ll fall in love too.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Fraser Ross
• 3
  Horror Story
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  L.A.B.
• 6
  Michelle Rounds
• 7
  Devilskin
• 8
  Coridian
• 9
  The Boondocks
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

• 
  Dream Chambers @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024
• 
  The Phoenix Foundation @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024
• 
  Cassie Henderson @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 07/12/2024
• 
  Frankie Venter @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 07/12/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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