A sequel to any series of music is always interesting to me because it’s a prime opportunity to show the listener just how much you, as a band, have grown in more ways than one. It’s a great chance by all means, and Ashlands certainly knew that even before crafting the second entry in their trilogy of EPs. Their first was interesting in more ways than one, but it’s with “II” that we see them slowly become their own.

Upgrading from their first EP with three tracks to four for the second entry, Ashlands definitely embraced many sides of their sound that they only started to explore in “I” as it’s brilliantly expanded upon in each track that’s presented here. We see much more of the band’s folkier side along with much more straightforward songwriting as well as a slight increase in brutality to it all that wraps around every facet of “II” real nice, and Ashlands knows how to capitalize on every single one of those elements to a tremendous degree. Add on top of that a solid continuation of the story that the first EP introduced us to, and there isn’t much that isn’t playing to Ashlands’ favor here from just about every possible angle. It’s more satisfying, more interesting, and just an all-around better release in general that really does show us how Ashlands has grown even if it’s only been a year since we first heard them. “II” gives us plenty to sink our teeth into even if it’s still nothing stupendous by any stretch of the imagination, but that doesn’t take away from the raw enjoyment factor that’s constantly at play here in all four tracks. Just that alone brings a whole new layer of intrigue to this EP in a way that really makes you want to see it all the way through as Ashlands does nothing but a very solid job as they put another step forward into this trilogy.

Any series of EPs no matter how big or small they may be will always carry a certain level of intrigue from many sides as the band in question can do a hell of a lot to show us what they’re capable of in a few small bursts of songs. “II” carries a lot of weight with it in a way that may not be initially prevalent to those who listen to it, but if it’s proof of anything it’s that Ashlands is far from an act to ignore and is something that I’ll gladly come back to time after time.

“II” releases on September 29th!

LISTEN to Ashlands on Bandcamp here.

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