EP Review: Habits + Heartbreak by The Young Vines

By: Deevia Fierro

Credit: The Young Vines

One of my favorite local bands, who I credit for getting me interested in the Tulsa music scene, released an EP that has been out since 2017 and is still giving me chills. The Young Vines titled their album “Habits + Heartbreak” and it is exactly what the albums represents: Love and lots of heartache.

Band members Caleb James, (Vocals/Guitar), Jordan Phillips (Drums/Vocals), Aaron Watson (Lead Guitar/Vocals), and Nick Vinyard (Bass/Vocals) have been together for quite some time. Formed back in 2014, The Young Vines have played numerous gigs throughout Tulsa, defining their sound and stage presence along the way. Since the release, fans have been left hanging for the full album coming out later this year.

There are six tracks on the EP - “Intro”, “Wild Lines”, “Ride”, “Habits + Heartbreak”,” High”, and “String Me Along” - each one feels like a warm summer breeze that flows just right. Imagine taking a drive with the top down and a cotton candy sky gleams above your head. Each song has a soulful undertone that sinks deep into the heart. The lyrics seem to be crafted to sting because how relatable and true to the heart the words are.

A mix of songs that feel like the calm before the storm, this track list brings their emotions in with the style of music they produce. An instrumental song starts off the EP that then leads flawlessly into the next track, “Wild Lines”. The others off the record bring melodies that take you high and low with their chill vibes and indie rock.

A personal favorite from “Habits + Heartbreak” is “Ride”, which is filled with soaring harmonies and catchy guitar hooks that seep into your soul. It satisfies the mix between different styles of soft rock with its moody atmosphere. In one listen, the dynamics of this track are effortlessly raw. It seems as though every song has its own story of a love lost. From being truthful with your feelings to feeling high in love, it’s all identifiable to someone.

Heartbreak is universal - it makes the EP relevant to those who have felt it. This is an album that you can easily escape into for an emotionally-rich and soul satisfying musical experience.