EP Review: Old Days EP 1.0

Hunter “King Cass” Wilson has hinted at releasing two EPs before the end of 2023, following up on a handful of singles released since 2019’s The Awakening (From Dark To Light), his debut album. I reviewed one of those singles here, the catchy laid-back grooves of Yea Yea.

Old Days EP 1.0 is the title of this first of the two suggested EPs. There is very definitely an old-school feel to the 4 main tracks of the EP (Track 5 being the bonus track Lockdown, having previously been released as a single). First up is the title track, and Old Days is a gorgeously lush soundtrack to a nostalgia trip. The track’s lyrics conjure scenes of typical Kiwi youth, delivered almost wistfully, not as someone wishing for the past, but celebrating what has come before.

Who Dat is more aggressive, a fiery bold statement of intent, aimed at any who dare challenge the superiority of the King himself. Track 3 sees him giving thanks to the Most High. Cass has come from a troubled past, and has risen above many challenges, and in these lyrics it is clear to whom he feels gratitude. Hat-Trick is track 4, and my favourite. I’ve stated in other reviews that I love hearing Kiwi accents on Kiwi vocalist, and it’s a double-whammy on this track which features Dema. The lyrics are delivered over a suitable grimy bassline, with artfully haunting keys dripped over top.

All 5 tracks are around the 3-minute mark or so, the whole thing clocks in at under 15 minutes… but that 15 minutes will have you thrashing Old Days on repeat, until EP number 2 drops. Nice one, Cass, well done.