Written by Rebecca Hooey
In his debut EP after separating from former band Time Atlas, Grayson DeWolfe delivers a sentimental view into what it's like living inside the head of a sensitive artist while trying to keep a positive spin on life. The first track, from which the EP gets its title, features DeWolfe's voice soaring above an encouraging mentor-like voice telling us the importance of learning from one's experiences. This leads into an almost uplifting twist on the sharp heartache felt at cheating, poignant portraits of young love (and the difficulties it entails), and ending on a ballad that could melt the stoniest of hearts.
The upbeat synth loving tracks are reminiscent of the most recent Paramore album, After Laughter, and as such DeWolfe's expressive voice lends a certain sincerity to the lyrics, which sometimes stand in distinct contrast from the bubbly instrumentals. Chiefly, Invisible and Karma, which both delve into aspects of the realities of romance in the modern world. Likewise, you can hear the near pain of longing in Please Hurry Up. DeWolfe takes listeners on a personal journey through his life so far, and reminds us that we all have a little something still to learn from life and love.
This EP offers quite a bit lyrically, too. The sarcastic tone taken in Karma gives a lovely way to look at finding out that your cheating ex has been two faced as well.This is a fantastic foil to the candid ardor of Close, a beautiful insight into the kind of caring relationship found often inside fairy tales.
Overall, from the lighter songs to those more heartening, this album is as at home in bedroom speakers as it will be live. A great album for both late night listening and emotional drives, an album for all of us who have experienced the ups and downs of life and love, Growing Pains will leave you yearning for true love and a full life, and feeling the excitement of trying to find both.
