X Ambassadors have returned with their latest EP, Townies, released on October 18th. Consisting of four tracks, the EP is closely tied to their April album Townie (read the review here), and serves as a collection of songs that didn’t make it onto the album yet still hold a special place for the band. Written during, before, and after the album’s creative process, the songs on Townies reflect the emotional depth and narrative arcs that connect back to Townie, but also stand on their own as a unique extension of the project.
The EP opens with ‘Upstate Boys,’ a song written just after the final masters for Townie were turned in. The track carries much of the same weight as the album, exploring themes of dissatisfaction and the frustration of feeling stuck in life. The long instrumental intro sets a dark tone, before the lyrics dig into that emotional turmoil. With lines like “But I can’t lose you, I can’t lose you too” and “Cause upstate boys like us, this is how we all end up,” X Ambassadors capture a sense of certainty—of crashing and burning in a cycle that feels unbreakable. The chorus, “You’re gonna crash and burn,” highlights the despair and tension that runs through the song, mirroring the struggles faced by the protagonists.
Next is ‘Drive,’ a song that tells the story of two young people desperate to escape their small-town lives. The driving force of the song is not just its title but its lyrics, which evoke both physical and emotional urgency. With a full tank of gasoline and rage, the characters set out to leave their pasts behind. The chorus rings with determination as the two attempt to break free: “We can drive all night, set this neighbourhood on fire,” and the powerful realisation: “This place is gonna eat us alive, but if we leave here tonight, maybe we can survive,” paints a picture of rebellion. It’s an anthem of escape and survival, capturing the intensity of feeling trapped in a place that no longer feels like home.
The centrepiece of the EP is ‘Fragile,’ a deeply introspective track that bridges the gap between the band’s 2021 album The Beautiful Liar and their latest work. Written before Townie, this song reflects vulnerability and emotional exhaustion. Sam Harris’ vocals are delicate, framed by a calm instrumental arrangement that lets the storytelling take the spotlight. The chorus, “Lately I’ve been feeling fragile, like if you touch me in the wrong way, I might break,” captures the fragility of mental and emotional states, while lines like “My pain, didn’t mean to throw it back to you” showcase the song’s raw honesty. “Be careful, I’m not myself” closes the track on a haunting note, leaving listeners in a reflective space, grappling with the weight of unhealed wounds.
The final track, ‘Sticks and Stones,’ brings the EP full circle, offering a sense of belonging and return. Written with fellow Ithacans Rowan Drake and SAINT KID, the song channels a darker, spiritual vibe. It calls back to the band’s hometown roots with the recurring lyric, “All these sticks and stones, they take me home.” With its dark, earthy tones and imagery of nature, the song conveys both a sense of belonging and the confidence of returning to where it all started.
In conclusion, Townies succeeds in creating a full-circle moment for X Ambassadors. The EP not only serves as a companion to Townie, but also adds depth to the band’s ongoing exploration of self, place, and emotional vulnerability. Each song weaves into the other, creating a collection of stories and sounds that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Written by: Justine Kostka
Edited by: Ilse Muis
