7/10

When Wallows first emerged in recent years, many saw them as just another Hollywood side-project as frontman Dylan Minnette's acting career began taking off at the same time. Their first studio album 'Nothing Happens' in 2019 was largely well-received, but found trouble standing out from the crowd given its largely commercially-focused direction. But after a few years to figure out their next move, Wallows have now returned to deliver their highly-anticipated sophomore full-length 'Tell Me That It's Over', a record that moves in a more progressive direction this time around.

When compared to their previous collection, it is clear that 'Tell Me That It's Over' is a far more cohesive and succinct release than its predecessor. Rather than pack in a flurry of upbeat and toe-tapping radio-friendly singles, their latest endeavour flows much more easily when played together. While they have still maintained much of the same energy they have always pursued, there is this driven pace running throughout 'Tell Me That It's Over', allowing them to create more of a concept piece that builds and ebbs just at the right moments, showing their maturity as songwriters as a result.

It is clear from the very start that Wallows have been working hard at building upon the momentum of their infancy, and 'Tell Me That It's Over' makes for vibrant return to form. There is this subtle confidence on here, something that shows they are not some simple vanity project but a name worth exploring deeper.