Rachel Chinouriri - Little House EP

Remember those perfect indie-pop moments from the late 2000s that made you feel like the main character in your own coming-of-age film? Rachel Chinouriri's 'Little House' EP captures that same magic. Opening track 'Can We Talk About Isaac?' could slip seamlessly onto the Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging soundtrack between Mumm-Ra and Lily Allen, delivering the kind of euphoric, guitar-driven optimism that made that era so special.

Following the heavy emotional lifting of her debut album 'What A Devastating Turn Of Events', this EP feels like stepping out of the darkness and into warm sunshine. '23:42' continues the upbeat trajectory, with infectious melodies and Chinouriri's distinctively airy vocals adding a contemporary edge.

The mood shifts considerably with 'Judas', a more stripped-back affair that reintroduces some of the weightier themes from her previous work. While beautifully crafted, its meditation on death creates a somewhat jarring tonal shift after the boundless joy of the opening tracks. It's like someone switching the lights on at the indie disco just when you've found your groove.

'Indigo' rounds things out with a gentler approach to matters of the heart. Though it maintains the more subdued energy of 'Judas', there's something quietly powerful in its vulnerability. The ballad showcases Chinouriri's ability to find light even in life's more contemplative moments.

This EP marks a significant evolution for Chinouriri, demonstrating her versatility as a songwriter while maintaining the emotional authenticity that made her debut so compelling. While the tonal shift midway through might give some listeners whiplash, there's no denying the quality of the songwriting throughout. 'Little House' EP feels like watching your favourite indie film protagonist finally getting their happy ending - even if there are still a few plot twists along the way.