8/10

Swiss indie duo Seasonal Falls return with 'Fun Crumbles', a five-track EP that jolts us from the cozy, cabin-inspired soundscapes of their earlier releases into a more raucous, 90s-infused indie-pop-rock playground. Roman Gabriel’s songwriting, once confined to introspective lo-fi corners, now bursts with energy alongside Andrew Pelletier’s vibrant vocals and production, delivering a collection that is as unpredictable as it is catchy.

From the outset, 'Quiet Time' subverts its title with bright, jangly guitars and tight drum work that feel both familiar and freshly mischievous. The duo’s love for the textures of 90s indie, with echoes of Pavement, Belle & Sebastian, and Radar Bros, remains ever-present, but the EP adds an adventurous, slightly chaotic flair that gives each song its own personality. Tracks like 'I Should Be Sad But I Am Not' and 'A Year Without Beer' explore adulthood, nostalgia, and family life, blending candid lyricism with playful arrangements that refuse to linger in melancholy.

The middle stretch of the EP, particularly 'Australia', stretches into a more expansive territory, balancing wistful storytelling with propulsive rhythm sections that push the energy forward while keeping a sense of cinematic space. 'All Alone' closes the EP with a bittersweet yet effervescent touch, encapsulating the EP's duality in joy and reflection.

'Fun Crumbles' feels like an intentional rebellion against quiet restraint. Seasonal Falls take the lessons of lo-fi introspection and inject them with amplified guitars, punchier percussion, and moments of pure, unrestrained fun. There’s a sense of liberation in the music, as though the duo is reminding us that responsibility need not erase playfulness. The EP’s unpredictability, combined with a nostalgic heart, makes 'Fun Crumbles' a refreshing statement from a project evolving boldly without losing its core emotional resonance.