BEST NOODLES IN TOWN LEVEL UP WITH EMOTIONALLY-CHARGED NEW EP ‘BETTER, I THINK’

Best Noodles In Town come out swinging on their latest EP, Better, I Think—a tightly wound, emotionally charged release that fuses pop-punk grit with post-hardcore punch and indie vulnerability. From the jump, there’s a sense of urgency and authenticity that makes these songs hit harder than your average four-track drop.

Recorded at Strata Recording with Jackson Ward and mastered by Kris Crummett (Real Friends, Dance Gavin Dance, Knuckle Puck), the EP delivers a clean, powerful sound that matches the emotional intensity of the writing. The band rolled it out using a waterfall release strategy, with the final track added—ironically the first in the sequence—being “Reverie,” which dropped alongside the full release. The buildup paid off. Better, I Think isn’t just a strong showing—it’s the sound of a band dialing in, leveling up, and hitting their stride. Let’s dig into the tracks:

“Reverie” kicks off Better, I Think with explosive energy and razor-sharp focus, setting the tone for a four-track EP that’s poised to leave a serious impression. From the first note, the track delivers punchy, melodic guitar riffs and vocals that walk the line between emotional vulnerability and confident bite. It’s pop-punk at its most refined—edgy, catchy, and completely self-assured. There’s an impressive balance here. “Reverie” knows when to hold back and when to let loose, offering space to breathe before launching into full-throttle, get-up-and-move moments. The production is clean but not sterile, with each instrument contributing something meaningful. The drums hit hard, the guitars shimmer and stab, and the hooks come in swinging. It’s the kind of track that feels like both an arrival and a promise. If “Reverie” is just the opening shot, the rest of Better, I Think is going to be something worth cranking loud and living inside for a while.

The second track, “Mushroom Tea,” takes a more restrained approach than the opener, but it’s no less powerful. Slower and more introspective, the track leans into emotional heaviness without losing the punch of its predecessor. It’s a brooding, beautifully layered song that builds tension through somber tones—until a sudden, guttural scream shatters the calm and jolts the track into overdrive. Lyrically, it digs into the messiness of a toxic relationship slipping past the point of no return. Lines like “Couldn’t let you go, unforgettable. One more chance to get it right before your funeral… heavy on my mind.” capture the ache of holding on too long, haunted by regret and emotional baggage. It’s raw, honest, and painfully relatable. “Mushroom Tea” doesn’t just ask for your attention—it commands it, pulling you into its quiet chaos and refusing to let go.

“Anchor,” the third track on the EP, opens with a burst of electric guitar that immediately grabs your attention. It’s sharp, melodic, and perfectly sets the stage for what unfolds—a pop-punk-driven track laced with post-hardcore grit. The line “I know this isn’t what you hoped for. If you’re bothered by my actions, take a look back on yours” cuts deep, addressing the emotional fallout of a strained relationship with both vulnerability and bite. What sets “Anchor” apart is the seamless blend of styles. The band leans into their pop-punk roots while layering in raw, powerful screams that elevate the track’s emotional intensity and give it a darker, more eclectic edge. It’s equal parts catchy and cathartic—melodic enough to sing along, heavy enough to feel it in your chest. By this point in the EP, it’s clear that Best Noodles In Town aren’t just here to play—they’re here to deliver. “Anchor” adds even more depth to an already impressive tracklist, and if your appetite for quality music wasn’t satisfied before, it’s definitely getting there now.

“Your Fiction,” the band’s lead single off the EP, has already made waves—racking up over 100,000 streams on Spotify, and for good reason. The track opens with a soft, gorgeous guitar line that lulls you in before seamlessly transitioning into the band’s signature blend of dreamy, effects-laden textures and laid-back yet emotionally heavy riffs. This is yet another emotionally charged standout on the EP, packed with lyrical gems and moments that hit hard in all the right ways. It’s a song that knows how to simmer and explode, balancing vulnerability with impact. For those who like their pop-punk with a punch, “Your Fiction” delivers. Fans of Free Throw, Knuckle Puck, and that emotionally raw, melody-driven strain of modern punk are going to devour this track—and likely the entire EP along with it.

With Better, I Think, Best Noodles In Town proves they’re not just another name in the pop-punk scene—they’re a band with something to say and the chops to say it well. Across four tracks, they navigate heartbreak, self-reflection, anger, and growth with a maturity and emotional honesty that hits harder than most full-lengths. Each song brings its own identity while still feeling like part of a cohesive whole, woven together by sharp songwriting, standout performances, and a willingness to be both loud and vulnerable. Whether it’s the explosive promise of “Reverie,” the brooding storm of “Mushroom Tea,” the genre-blending bite of “Anchor,” or the anthemic ache of “Your Fiction,” this EP doesn’t miss. It’s bold, relatable, and incredibly easy to put on repeat. Better, I Think isn’t just a title—it’s a declaration. And after this release, it's clear Best Noodles In Town are only getting started.