EP review: Chapel – Room Service

Borrowing from the formula that’s worked so well for twenty one pilots in recent years – that of blending emotive, insightful lyrics with upbeat alt-pop instrumentation – Atlanta pop-rock duo Chapel offer plenty of fun and ideas throughout Room Service, the follow-up to 2017’s sprightly Sunday Brunch debut EP. It’s not a record for lovers of loud, heavy guitars, but those with an ear for breezy melodies and danceable grooves should find something to enjoy in Chapel’s carefree sound.

The band’s collision of spirited music and thoughtful messaging is evident from the outset, with opening track Pillow Talk lamenting how ‘Every night when I sleep, my brain takes over me’ to a backdrop of easy-on-the-ear pop-rock. They charm once more on following song Miss The Days, whose sincere, emotionally-charged intro is augmented by some moving piano balladry. It’s on the final two tracks where Chapel really strut their stuff, though, with stand-out song and recent single WOW displaying attitude and coolness in abundance, all the while demonstrating its creators’ aptitude for slick, pop-based songwriting. First Love, meanwhile, closes proceedings in a similarly brazen manner, recalling the recent dalliances Paramore and All Time Low have made with alt-pop.

At less than 10 minutes in length, what Chapel present here is more a joyful hint at the band’s future direction than it is an outright statement of intent, but the signs are more than promising. Room Service is a smart, stylish and snappy record, and one which finds its creators serving up something good, catchy and fun.

Verdict: 3/5

For fans of: twenty one pilots, Paramore, All Time Low

Room Service is released on April 23 via Rise

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