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Nothing says “emotional angst” like the sounds of early-00s rock. If you’re missing the music of those days, never fear — rock duo Evening Elephants’ new album Wholeheartedly, Terribly Sweet is a return to gritty guitar riffs, low-fi vocals, and lyrics that tackle every facet of heartbreak. 

Wholeheartedly, Terribly Sweet is full of songs that follow in the footsteps of grungier surf-rock, bringing to mind bands like Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. What sets Evening Elephants apart is their willingness to blend genres and sounds, putting rap verses over rock riffs, or mixing electronic sounds with old-school instrumentals. 

The album’s songs dive into some of the more difficult aspects of a relationship. On “Like You Want It,” the group challenges their partner to “get emotional,” sneering, “Sounds like you want it.” On “Lazy Cries,” Evening Elephant decries a fake lover, stating, “Only time you’re sweet is when you’re talking in your sleep,” and “You call me baby, but you hate me and you said it yourself.”

There are also some lighthearted moments, particularly on standout track “Facedown Kentucky,” an ode to a “dumbass girl with a dumbass dog.” Even though “she likes to make it sting,” the band cheerfully sings over a crisp drumbeat, they still “love it.”

Evening Elephants makes some time for self-reflection, too. The RHCP-esque “What Channel Is Daydreaming On?” sees the group admit, “Sometimes I’m great, sometimes I'm out of control // but it’s never too late,” while “Outta Habit” echoes that sentiment with “It’s getting old to be this messy.”

With its sonically-intriguing mix of 2000s alt-rock, sing-song rap verses, and electronic production, Wholeheartedly, Terribly Sweet creates a sound that’s totally new — while delivering lyrics that anyone who’s ever been down on love can relate to. 

Catch Evening Elephants on tour this fall, kicking off in September in Phoenix, AZ. 

Listen to Wholeheartedly, Terribly Sweet below: