EP Review: Twenty Something

REID has recently released his brand new album Twenty Something. The Wellingtonian is quickly emerging as one of Aotearoa’s most exciting artists. This seven-track album is a brilliant and reflective exploration of life in your twenties – the struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. It captures that awkward period where you suddenly find yourself an adult with bills and responsibilities, yet still feel too young and unprepared for them.

The album opens with the brilliant and uplifting 25, which hits you with syrupy guitars and lovely vocals. Its lyrics are vibrant and engaging – a trend that continues throughout the record. Track two, All My Love, is another standout, building beautifully to an energetic and uplifting chorus.

Dancing With The Devil is a personal highlight. You can feel influences from artists like Sam Fender and The 1975, yet REID makes it his own. The way the song builds to its chorus is stunning. Overall, this is a great album – full of catchy, melodic tunes. If you’re a fan of anything from The 1975 to Harry Styles, Twenty Something has something for you. The lyrics are clever, reflective, and memorable, and the mix flows beautifully from track to track. It’s the kind of album that works perfectly on a playlist, but also rewards you when played from start to finish.

REID’s guitar tone is warm and syrupy, with beautiful textures throughout. His vocals blend seamlessly with the instrumentation. This is especially evident on Running Away, a slower, more reflective track paired with a delicate piano and his signature guitar sound. It’s a real standout for me – one I immediately added to my playlist. The song showcases REID’s ability to write powerful, emotionally charged choruses.

Wanna Be Someone is a fitting closer – a song about figuring out who you are and finding your place in the world. It perfectly captures the uncertainty and growth of your twenties.

I hadn’t heard much of REID before this release, but after listening to Twenty Something, it’s clear he’s the real deal. His musicianship shines through on every track. This is an album to look out for – and one to be proud of. Well done, REID and everyone involved.