8/10

Canadian artist Windmills makes a noticeable shift in scale on his latest album 'Pilot Episode'. Where earlier work often felt inward-looking, this record expands outward, embracing a broader emotional landscape as it plays. It’s not a subtle transition either; the album feels intentionally reframed, as if marking a new phase rather than simply extending the last.

From the opening moments of 'Mulholland Drive', there’s a purposeful sense of momentum. The arrangements feel larger, more dynamic, with guitars taking on a more central role and rhythms pushing forward with greater urgency. Yet despite this expansion, the music still finds its balance, allowing space for detail while still delivering a sense of weight.

Windmills’ songwriting remains rooted in emotional honesty, but the perspective has shifted. Rather than focusing solely on internal states, 'Pilot Episode' engages more directly with the external world. The lyrics don’t attempt to define or resolve tensions outright; they simply acknowledge them, letting us draw their own conclusions throughout.

Vocally, there’s a similar evolution. The delivery carries more presence, sitting slightly forward in the mix, but still retains a conversational quality. It feels more willing to meet those of us listening in directly without losing its sense of nuance, and that balance is key to the album’s tone.

Sonically, the record sits within a contemporary indie-rock framework, but it draws from a range of influences without settling too heavily into any one direction. There are moments that echo the widescreen emotionality of Arcade Fire, alongside the textured, guitar-driven clarity often associated with The National. At times, the melodic sensibility leans closer to something more immediate, recalling the accessible yet thoughtful approach of Bleachers. Still, these are passing reference points rather than defining features.

What ultimately defines 'Pilot Episode' is its sense of intent. It comes across as the genuine natural progression of an artist stepping into a space that better reflects where they are now. And there’s a confidence in that decision, even when the subject matter leans into uncertainty.

As a body of work, the album embraces the idea that starting again, creatively, emotionally, or otherwise, is inherently unsettled. And in that space, Windmills offers a record that feels open-ended, but purposeful in its direction.