Double Identity Leaves Toxic Relationships in “The Rearview”

Chicago-based pop-rock duo Double Identity Band has unveiled their latest EP, “Talking to Ghosts: Act II,” now available on all major digital platforms. Produced by Roye Robley, known for his work with acts like Meet Me @ the Altar, Cleveland Avenue, and Belmont, this EP serves as a compelling sequel to their 2022 release, “Talking to Ghosts: Act I.” Packed with raw emotion and unwavering candor, the record draws inspiration from the likes of Against The Current, Maisie Peters, Olivia Rodrigo, and 2000s era Demi Lovato.

“Talking to Ghosts: Act II” delves deep into the tumultuous aftermath of escaping a toxic relationship, exploring the complex spectrum of emotions that arise, from seething anger to the tentative excitement of new crushes amidst the rubble.

“Are You Gonna Listen Now?” opens the gates to the duo’s latest EP, marking its debut single and setting the tone for the entire album. This track radiates an upbeat and vibrant energy, as it weaves a tapestry of inquisitive lyrics, primarily centered around the art of capturing someone’s attention. The song firmly establishes the band’s signature Disney pop-punk style. In a lively and incisive manner, “ARE YOU GONNA LISTEN NOW?” boldly poses a series of probing questions, challenging the very essence of what it takes to capture someone’s attention.

When reflecting on the song, guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist Arden Kurhayez provides insights into its ironic undertones. She shares, “ARE YOU GONNA LISTEN NOW? is sort of ironic. The production is purposefully fun and bright while lyrically it’s taking a situation and asking some pretty deep questions. Like, what’s going to make you listen? What’s the tipping point? And if we’re not there yet, what’s next? Because I think we’ve covered all our bases here, and it shouldn’t be this hard, so something has to give. Tell me what’s next, so I can handle it already because I’ve thought of all the possible ways this could go.”

Next on the EP is “Your Anything 2.0,” a reimagining of the 2020 single “Your Anything.” This song serves as a heartfelt tribute to the reclamation of personal empowerment from someone who should never have possessed it in the first place. It’s a resolute declaration of not wishing to hold any significance in someone’s life.

“Your Anything 2.0” takes the original composition and meticulously refines it to perfection, infusing it with smoother, more spirited rhythms and melodies. While the song exudes an air of merriment and vitality, its lyrics simultaneously carry an undercurrent of pent-up frustration and a profound sense of liberation.

“Fake” emerges as one of the two previously unreleased tracks on the EP. True to form, it’s another spirited and danceable number with lyrics that venture into profound territory. The song delves into the act of unmasking someone’s true, insincere nature and boldly confronting them.

One of the most memorable moments in the song arrives in the bridge with the teased lyrics, “It’s all fake/Forget my name/Drop the accent/You’re not from the UK,” adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the listening experience. Like its predecessors on the EP, “Fake” masterfully combines an upbeat, infectious vibe with lyrics brimming with pent-up frustration and candor.

The track “Honeymoon Phase” is next, and explores the yearning for that initial starstruck, rose-colored-glasses sensation of a first date, only to be abruptly awakened to the bitter reality that Prince Charming might just be a deceitful character.

From the very first notes, Double Identity skillfully draws listeners into this narrative with its catchy lyrics, impressive guitar riffs, and upbeat drumbeats. The song’s poignant lyrics, such as “I don’t want you back/You slimy little psychopath/Can’t escape the aftermath/You know what they say/I could be screaming at you from the mezzanine/Instead I’m smiling at you through gritted teeth/It was good when it was me and who I wanted you to be,” poignantly capture the common trajectory of many relationships as they transition from the Honeymoon Phase to the sobering realization that the partnership is bound to unravel.

Bringing the EP to a close is “The Rearview,” a poignant and tender track that offers a delightful blend of captivating riffs and profoundly relatable lyrics. This song stands out as the softest and most melodic piece on the EP.

“The Rearview” delves into the theme of leaving the past behind and embracing the promise of a fresh start in a new relationship. For me, this track holds a special place as a favorite on the EP. The exquisite fusion of the bridge, chorus, and verses seamlessly creates a sense of hope and nostalgia, enriched by the subtle guitar riffs and drum beats that gently caress the listener’s emotions.

Guitarist and vocalist Arden Kurhayez reflects on the EP, noting, “Sonically, Talking to Ghosts: Act II is the most nuanced body of work we’ve created thus far. It’s angry and loud and confronting (it wouldn’t be one of our records if it wasn’t!), but it’s also confident, soft, hopeful, and unafraid. When we set out to finish telling our ghost stories, we knew we had to push ourselves beyond the sound we’d developed in Act I, and we did, so we’re very excited for this evolution.”

Seamlessly following its predecessor, “Talking to Ghosts: Act l,” the second act of this musical saga is nothing short of perfect. It masterfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, blending angst, frustration, and hope into every note.

What’s remarkable about this EP is its inherent danceability and undeniable catchiness, rendering each song a compelling invitation to belt out your emotions at the top of your lungs (and yes, I’ll be joining in for ‘The Rearview’ very soon). Double Identity’s consistent release of hit after hit this year suggests that their momentum is far from slowing down.