There is something wonderfully fitting about an EP born somewhere between interstate highways, motel rooms and mountain campsites. You can hear the movement woven into every second of ‘Turned Around’, Theo Black’s adventurous second solo release, where changing landscapes become the backdrop for a collection that feels constantly in motion. Here, Black transforms that experience into an engaging release that captures the uncertainty, freedom and self-discovery that often accompany life on the road.
From the opening moments, ‘Turned Around’ establishes itself as a confident step forward. The artist expands beyond straightforward indie-rock, introducing shimmering electronics, darker post-punk textures and polished pop instincts without sacrificing the immediacy that makes his songwriting so compelling. It’s an EP that comfortably sits between eras, borrowing the melodic urgency of early-2000s guitar music while embracing contemporary production techniques that give the songs a fresh, vibrant identity.
Each track brings its own personality while contributing to a larger emotional arc. ‘Follow The Money’ arrives with restless energy, pairing driving instrumentation with sharp observations about modern society and widening inequality. It’s arguably the EP’s most immediate statement, balancing punchy hooks with genuine frustration in a way that never feels preachy.
Elsewhere, ‘Plans’ ventures into moodier territory. Built upon shadowy synth textures and infectious bass work, the song captures the internal struggle of feeling stuck while quietly building toward a sense of optimism. It’s one of the EP’s finest examples of his ability to make introspection feel cinematic rather than insular.
‘Your Love’ offers another standout moment, showcasing his gift for writing memorable melodies without leaning into sentimentality. There is a bittersweet warmth to the song as it reflects on a relationship that has naturally reached its conclusion. The power-pop influences shine brightly here, resulting in perhaps the EP’s most instantly replayable track while still carrying genuine emotional weight.
While closing piece ‘Early Mourning’ provides an especially satisfying conclusion. Its gradual build mirrors the psychological burden of worrying about futures that haven’t yet arrived before ultimately finding a quieter sense of acceptance. The addition of live drums gives the finale an organic lift that rounds off the EP beautifully, leaving us with hopeful sense by its end.
But one of the most impressive achievements of ‘Turned Around’ is the sheer quality of its production. Knowing that virtually every instrument, arrangement and recording decision comes from Black himself only deepens appreciation for the finished product. The songs never feel constrained by their DIY origins; instead, they possess an adventurous spirit that allows imperfections to become part of their charm. Different recording environments subtly colour each track, giving the EP a lived-in authenticity that polished studio perfection could never replicate.
For an artist still early in his solo journey, ‘Turned Around’ is an impressive statement of intent. Rich with memorable hooks, thoughtful songwriting and inventive production, it suggests Theo Black has found not only a distinctive sound, but also an exciting creative direction that feels capable of taking him far beyond this impressive second chapter.