BEHIND THE EP: The Brook & The Bluff — 'This Could All Go Nowhere'

In a world where every move feels calculated and outcomes are carefully engineered, This Could All Go Nowhere by The Brook & The Bluff stands out as a rare testament to the beauty of unplanned moments.

"This Could All Go Nowhere," Album cover

Released on Nov. 14, 2024, just 14 months after their last studio album, the EP is the sound of a band rediscovering the joy of simply creating.

The EP’s title and its album cover—a film photo of a beach ball captured mid-flight by lead singer Joseph Settine—say everything about the ethos behind these songs. Taken at a music festival, the photo encapsulates both the fleeting magic of a moment and the unknowable trajectory of where it may lead. For The Brook & The Bluff, the metaphor is personal. As an up-and-coming band in the indie rock scene, they understand the uncertainty of their path—but This Could All Go Nowhere suggests they’re more likely headed somewhere extraordinary.

With no pressure of an upcoming album, the band recorded the EP for the sake of recording, capturing the essence of their live energy while indulging in experimentation. The sessions marked a return to their roots—a chance to just freely make music again after the production of their 2023 album Bluebeard, and the two tours that would follow. That freedom radiates through every track, each infused with a looseness and vitality that feel alive and immediate.

Take “Bad Bad News,” for instance. With a catchy tune and lyrics about the paralysis of unspoken emotions, it’s as introspective as it is uplifting. It perfectly exemplifies the band’s knack for turning heavy themes into lighthearted melodies.

Then there’s “Calling Cards,” a track that has traveled with the band for over a decade, morphing from an early songwriting experiment into a fully realized anthem of self-discovery. It’s proof that even the oldest ideas can find new life when given space to grow.

This Could All Go Nowhere continues The Brook & The Bluff's track record of being able to balance weighty emotions with lightness and a kick of pop. The Brook & The Bluff are a band in motion, much like the beach ball on their album. They’re floating through the indie scene, buoyed by the infectious energy of their live shows and a growing fan base.

For now, though, it seems like the band is content to enjoy the ride. Whether it’s a funky melody born on a whim or a photo snapped in the festival sun, This Could All Go Nowhere is a reminder to cherish the moment—and to trust that even when you’re not sure where you’re headed, you might end up somewhere special.