SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ENDEARMENTS – AN ALWAYS OPEN DOOR

ENDEARMENTS
AN ALWAYS OPEN DOOR
TRASH CASUAL

Endearments’ first full-length EP, An Always Open Door, leans heavily into the nostalgia of ’80s synthpop, and nowhere is that clearer than on the opening track, “Summersun.” At first, the pure pop sheen of the opener might catch listeners off guard. It’s a guilty-pleasure crowd-pleaser, unabashed, melodic, and perfectly on the nose in all the right ways. “Marianne” follows with a driving rhythm, layered synths, and lush harmonies. But as the lyrics start to sink in, the real trick of Endearments reveals itself.

Beneath the glossy exterior somewhere between modern yacht rock and ’80s-era Moody Blues, the band crafts narratives that make you root for the antagonist, even when you know you shouldn’t. “Real Deal” shifts gears into straighter rock territory, delivering what might be the chorus of the year. It’s the kind of hook that sneaks up on you and suddenly you’re singing along before you realize it.

The pace eases with “Bank Lights” and “People,” where layered guitars replace some of the synth-forward energy, adding depth and warmth. “Saline” stands out as a beautifully produced slice of shoegaze, immersive yet clear, allowing every instrument its own space to breathe.

The production across the record is impeccable. Produced by Abe Seiferth (known for work with Nation of Language and Guerilla Toss), the EP carries traces of those influences while still giving Endearments room to define their own sound. “Woolgathering” might be the sleeper hit funky enough to pass for a lost Doobie Brothers cut, blending soft rock and disco into something effortlessly infectious. The record closes with “Your Knight,” an almost a cappella ballad that strips everything back to raw emotion.

Throughout the EP, the lyrics remain self-reflective and quietly devastating heartbreak dressed in the satin glow of ‘70s and ‘80s radio, reminiscent of bands like Heart or Foreigner, yet never losing their indie credibility. An Always Open Door is all soul and feel-good atmosphere, the kind of music that plays brightly even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.

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