Growing up rarely announces itself in huge cinematic moments. More often, it happens quietly and gradually, in late-night drives, unfinished conversations, and music that makes you feel understood before you know why. You don’t need to be immersed in the indie-rock genre to recognize the feeling of standing on the edge of change without realizing it at the time. Wallows’ debut album, “Nothing Happens,” establishes that in-between space where adolescence fades and self-awareness begins to take shape. The album fully captures the band’s signature mix of wistful reflections on adolescence and their infectious melodies. From the beginning of the album, the connecting guitar riff threads from the first to the last song, linking the entirety of the album together, giving it a sense of cohesion and auditory continuity. The record thrives on a balance of “sad lyrics, happy music,” showcasing the band’s signature move of having musical and lyrical contrast as well as emotional resonance. Dylan Minnette, the band’s lead vocalist, and Braeden Lemasters, the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist, complement each other beautifully, bringing life to lyrics that explore themes of adolescence, change, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
The opening track, titled “Only Friend,” introduces the listeners to Wallows’ exploration of social alienation and coming-of-age struggles, which are anchored by a powerful, recognizable guitar riff and Minnette’s compelling vocals. “Treacherous Doctor” dives into questions of relationships and communication, marking the end of adolescence with its contemplative lyrics, while both Dylan and Braeden trade vocal duties seamlessly, harmonizing with one another. “Sidelines” explores drifting friendships and the complexities of savior complexes, with a synth outro that hints at ’80s nostalgia. “Are You Bored Yet?” featuring Clairo, captures anxious attachment and feelings of inadequacy in relationships, enriched by Clairo’s softer vocals, which add a somewhat reflective tone to the track.
This track, along with “Remember When,” is the most memorable for listeners of this album and Wallows in general, making them their most popular hits in alternative and indie rock.
“Scrawny” and “Trust Fall” continue to explore personal growth and vulnerability, with “Scrawny” reflecting the fear of change and the tension between maintaining youthful perspectives and gaining wisdom. “Trust Fall” juxtaposes dreamy guitar layers with restrained drums by the band’s drummer, Cole Preston, creating a surreal sense of risk and emotional exposure. Wallows also nods to their punk rock roots with “Underneath the Spotlight in the Winter Outside Your House,” a brief but energetic track, while “Ice Cold Pool” offers a lighter, “happily chill” counterpoint, extending the themes introduced in previous songs. Both songs are also references to the band’s early years, when they were known as “The Narwhals” in the early 2010s.
The album also features a special single in the 5th anniversary version of the album, titled “Bad Remake,” which expands on the album’s recurring motifs of romantic reflection, miscommunication, and emotional vulnerability.
“Worlds Apart” and “What You Like” reminisce on the memories one acquires through relationships, with explorations of disconnection, anxious attachment, and miscommunication. “Worlds Apart” can be distinguished by its dreamy guitar, transitioning into an emotional experience, colliding drums and guitar, sounding like a revelation. “What You Like” interprets the effects of insecurity in a relationship, delving into a vicious cycle of disconnection, misunderstandings, blending Braeden’s punchy electric guitar riffs, Cole’s skillful rhythm on the drums, and Dylan’s strong and assertive vocals throughout the track. “Just Like a Movie” and “I’m Full” blend nostalgia, excitement, and the darker themes of chemical highs and depression.
These songs underscore Wallows’ ability to capture both the excitement and the emptiness that come with the transitional period between adolescence and adulthood.
Last but not least, the track “Do Not Wait” is a quiet and reassuring track. My personal favorite, it closes the album on a reflective note, encouraging living in the present while revisiting childhood and teenage memories. The track is a lyrically symbolic tribute to Dylan’s childhood as it explores these themes through a metaphorical conversation between Dylan’s present and childhood self. Tying it to the album as a whole, the title, “Nothing Happens,” is referenced heavily in this track, especially at the end, adding a sense of reassurance for listeners who feel like change is similar to the end of the world. Emphasizing this, the repeated guitar motif from “Only Friend” reappears here, linking the album together as well as highlighting that personal growth and change are ongoing processes.
Overall, “Nothing Happens” is a cinematic, emotionally resonant musical journey through the highs and lows of adolescence and early adulthood. From the infectious guitar, lyrical hooks, and nostalgic synth to the contemplative lyrics and dynamic vocal harmony, Wallows crafts a debut album that feels both personal and universally relatable. The album’s appeal lies in its ability to capture the feeling that, even after the moments that seem like the end of the world, life moves forward, and, as the title suggests:
Sometimes nothing happens, and yet everything changes, and that’s just okay.
Image from Genius
