EP Review: The Lilacs – The 395 (To Forever)
The 395 (To Forever)
The Lilacs are rapidly becoming one of the country’s most beloved bands, and their upcoming EP, ‘The 395 (To Forever)’, adds even more anthems to their already electrifying live set.
The EP serves as the first physical release through indie label Scruff of the Neck, offering a range of variants and bundles to appeal to both casual listeners and dedicated collectors.
Available from 21st March, you can Pre-order here: https://upthelilacs.com/
The Lilacs kick off their latest EP with ‘Where’ve You Been Hiding‘, the first single released ahead of their landmark show at Manchester Ritz last November. Opening with a folky, delicate intro, the track quickly erupts into a bold, melody-driven burst of energy, showcasing a band that sounds more refined and confident than ever.
Frontman Ollie Anglesea’s vocals shine with newfound clarity, allowing his melancholic lyricism to resonate more deeply. While The Lilacs have always had a knack for anthemic choruses, there’s a fresh vulnerability woven into their songwriting, signaling real growth. The track captures their signature high-energy sound but with an added depth that hints at an exciting new chapter for the band.
Speaking about the release, Ollie shared:
“We’re absolutely buzzing to release ‘Where’ve You Been Hiding’. It’s been a while since we last released music, so we’re overjoyed to put this one out into the world. We’ve definitely turned things up a notch with this track, and it almost feels like the start of a new era for The Lilacs. The song explores relationships in today’s world, where media, politics, and everything in between can really complicate things.“
The latest tune released ahead of release was ‘You’re Not That Daft‘, a track which perfectly captures their signature mix of bright, infectious melodies and anthemic storytelling. With its insistent rhythms and a chorus that sticks after just one listen, the track is a celebration of late-night misadventures and bittersweet nostalgia.
If you a fan of punchy, heartfelt indie anthems, ‘You’re Not That Daft’ is a must-listen. It’s a reminder of youthful recklessness and the memories that stick with you long after the hangovers fade.
‘Calling It A Night‘ is also now in the public domain, the tune is a very catchy, feel-good track that perfectly captures the highs and lows of a night out. With upbeat guitar riffs and melodies that feel both nostalgic and fresh, it has a real indie rock charm. The song has that classic pub-and-pints vibe and lyrically, it reflects on the thrill of youthful nights and whether they’re really worth it in the end.
The title track, ‘The 395 (To Forever)‘, is a soaring indie anthem that feels tailor-made for summer festivals, beer gardens, and late-night singalongs. From the first note, the track radiates an infectious energy, driven by punchy guitar riffs, driving percussion, and a chorus that begs to be shouted back by a crowd. It’s the kind of song that instantly lifts your mood, embodying the euphoria of youthful nights and the camaraderie that comes with them.
Lyrically, the track is packed with charm, with standout lines like “Tell the DJ in the corner to queue this song” capturing that universal, feel-good moment when a tune takes over the room. The lyrics, much like the instrumental, are both uplifting and instantly memorable, making it easy to picture thousands of festival-goers belting them out in unison at the likes of Y Not, IOW, Hardwick Live, Sheffield’s Rock & Roll Circus’ and many more this summertime
The EP’s grand finale comes in the form of the aptly titled ‘One More For The Road‘, a track that perfectly encapsulates the infectious energy and sharp songwriting present throughout the record. While every song on this release boasts an undeniably catchy and addictive quality, ‘One More For The Road‘ stands out as a true highlight. Its melody is irresistibly infectious, weaving its way into your mind long after the song ends, while the lyrics paint a vivid and intriguing picture.
The song explores the dynamic of a perennial tagalong within a social group—someone who, rather than adding meaningful value, often serves more as comic relief than genuine company. Yet, despite their antics, they remain an undeniable part of the circle, creating a push-and-pull dynamic that many listeners will find relatable.
If there’s one flaw with this EP, it’s simply that it isn’t a full-length album. By the time ‘One More For The Road‘ reaches its conclusion, it feels as though the momentum has truly built up, leaving you craving more. Just as the gears seem to be turning at full speed, the journey comes to an end, making this a release that begs for repeated listens.
With ‘The 395 (To Forever)’, The Lilacs prove they’re not just refining their sound, they’re evolving into something even bigger.
On Saturday 26th November, The Lilacs are reaching new heights, building on their success at the Manchester Ritz by upgrading to the iconic O2 Academy. With a capacity 1,000 higher than the previous venue, they’ll be performing in front of an electrifying crowd of 2,600 fans. Tickets are already on sale, and they’re selling fast, marking another major milestone in the band’s unstoppable rise.
The Lilacs have already seen strong demand for both their headline and in-store tours – limited tickets for some shows remain available HERE.
