Many incredible rock groups have come from Chicago, and wellthen is gearing up to be a part of that star-studded lineup. Their latest release, a self-recorded ep of demos, showcases artistic perseverance and creative integrity. It’s one thing to release everything in its most perfect, polished state; it’s another entirely to be proud of what you can create using your existing resources. A group often needs motivation to recognize their inner potential, and “The Demos Ep” reflects this phenomenon.

Starting off strong, “This Time” is a fantastic entryway for fans who may not have heard any of Wellthen’s work previously. A strong drum beat guides a lyric-driven, Strokes-inspired lead vocal. The guitar tones begin to feel indie-punk immediately but transition into something of their own as the verse gains momentum. Lead vocalist Aurelio Damiani is a powerful singer, using his vocal range to communicate emotive lyrics without doing too much. Keeping the “live performance” feeling for these demos was the right choice, as it perfectly conveys the song’s intended energy. The arrangement in this song is among my favorites in the 20-minute ep, as it ebbs and flows nicely throughout.

Next, “the way it goes” speeds things up a bit. It does less movement in terms of pace, but the whimsical vibe of the song is contagious. Damiani’s lower range is fantastic; he can capture a moment within his writing that fits perfectly with the song’s instrumentation. Layers of harmony stand out but blend in well within the mix. It’s not necessarily overdoing or outshining the lead vocal, which also sits comfortably in the mix. Christian Fields is a prolific drummer, presenting a thorough understanding of his instrument—and music as a broader concept. A band is only as strong as its drummer, and Fields is phenomenal. His build towards the bridge is outstanding work.

Next, they experiment with more production in “sides,” using Van Halen-esque synthesizers and almost Kanye West-y drumming to get their point across. Even with these influences, the band stays within their indie-rock realm. However, their explorative nature would do well for their goal to create a full-length LP, hopefully utilizing some of this material. Songs like “Sides” are an incredible testament to an artist’s resources. You can do a lot, even with the basics, despite the allure of fancy equipment or recording software. Sometimes, you only need ideas as strong as “sides” to get the job done right.

Wellthen’s “house of gold” is entirely different from any song I’ve heard with the same title, in the best way possible. It’s optimistic, perhaps even conveying a faux sense of optimism, in which the narrator simultaneously convinces himself and the audience. Regardless, this song once again portrays the group’s knack for a solid arrangement within a song and killer songwriting skills. Damiani has layered his guitars fascinatingly in this mix; I almost couldn’t tell if I heard a quiet lead riff or a synthesizer that sounded like a guitar. Either way, it works, and this song is among the strongest instrumentally compared to any of the completed demos.

Finally, the closing song, “Most Days,” slows things down, ending the ep on a more melancholy note. However, it leans more relatable than overbearingly sad. The song offers a unique melodic soundscape that the group should revisit when they attempt their full-length LP. A nice synth layer sprinkled throughout helps fill out the entire mix, keeping the energy alive for all 3 and a half minutes. Together, this dynamic duo has figured out what works for them—and that is a strong indicator of success for any musician at any career stage.

Hopefully, wellthen continues to pursue their goal of creating a full-length body of work. They are off to a fantastic start; the two have already established themselves as a vital force within a competitive (yet welcoming) local rock scene, and their vulnerability can be the leverage that pushes them to the top. Ultimately, the pair can continually grow as they create together, generating more fans by authentically expressing themselves via music.