KiLLOWEN - Pub Therapy (EP)
Picture Credit: Simon Wheatley
West London's garage sensation, KiLLOWEN, makes a triumphant return with his much-anticipated debut EP, Pub Therapy. The release lands hot on the heels of his latest single, "One Thing", a zesty garage spin on the iconic Amerie original, and comes after months of lingering euphoria from his standout performance at the Reading & Leeds Festival. The progressive and experimental 9-track opus captures KiLLOWEN's unwavering commitment to his craft, as takes on the roles of writer, producer and performer showcasing his impressive versatility and DIY spirit. With each track, listeners are drawn deeper into KiLLOWEN's captivating sonic realm as he takes them on an introspective journey through bass-heavy garage sounds, to home his signature, stand-out wordplay that catalysed his breakthrough status.
At its core, Pub Therapy is a testament to KiLLOWEN's storytelling prowess. Spanning nine tracks, the EP serves as a poignant reflection of his personal and artistic growth since his inception in the music industry, marking a transformative journey from boyhood to manhood. With an innate talent for crafting addictive pop melodies, KiLLOWEN effortlessly translates his experiences, both triumphant and challenging, into music that resonates profoundly. Each track functions as a page torn from KiLLOWEN's diary, delving into themes such as cherished childhood memories in his hometown of Hayes, West London, existential ponderings, the complexities of love, and the essence of mental-wellbeing.
On the EP, KiLLOWEN explains; “Pub Therapy explores the concept of using vices to access and express one's emotions. It is a journey from ignorance and innocence into the struggles of everyday life and how that can weigh on us as people. The concept of “Pub Therapy” can be relatable to everyone, as it is something almost everyone participates in at some point in their lives, whether they’re aware of it or not. This project was a way for me to convey my struggles with imposter syndrome and dive deeper into my past and present situations in order to find out who I really am.”
Each track within Pub Therapy evokes a distinct emotional resonance, further attesting to KiLLOWENS ability to create a sonic world that is unique to his artistry. Notably, the EP includes cherished fan favourites such as "Sober," a song that has garnered an impressive 4 million streams on Spotify, accumulated a staggering 20 million views on TikTok, and ascended to the #20 position on the esteemed Top 50 UK Viral chart. Additionally, "Break The Cycle" serves as a heartfelt anthem encouraging individuals to embark on their unique journeys of self-discovery, while "One Thing" presents an innovative composition that skilfully deciphers the genuine intentions of others. Furthermore, "Bar Fights & Poetry" showcases KiLLOWENS' remarkable versatility, seamlessly infusing elements of subtle hyper-pop into his musical canvas. The EP is further enriched by the inclusion of tracks like "Landmines," "About Last Night," "Holding On," "20:50 Freestyle," and culminates in a harmonious outro titled "Butterfly Effect," thus delivering a comprehensive and captivating musical experience.