The Chainsmokers Welcome a New Era With 'No Hard Feelings' EP

The Chainsmokers bring plenty of their early 2016 nostalgia to their latest six-track EP, ‘No Hard Feelings.’

Less than a year after the release of their last EP, Summertime Friends, The Chainsmokers have officially unveiled the next chapter of their TCS6 journey. Out now via DISRUPTOR/ Columbia Records, No Hard Feelings is a six-track EP that harkens back to their flair for strong lyricism and conjuring up addictive melodies.

The title is fitting as it suggests a renewed chapter for the band without the bitterness of the past. With most of the songs emphasizing on the themes of personal freedom, love, and heartbreak, this package expands on the band’s 2016 era. It returns to the sonic elements that encapsulated their all-time favorite songs from the early days like “Roses” and “Don’t Let Me Down.”

The EP opens with the title track, “No Shade at Pitti,” where tinkering droplets of synths and whimsical harmonies take the lead right up to the peak of the chorus. The instrumentals charge on, setting the stage for the melting pot of high energy and intricate breakbeat drum patterns on the rest of the EP. Released alongside a lyric video set against the classic backdrop of Manhattan’s streets and lively spring weather, “No Shade at Pitti” reflects the pair’s desire to return to where they started and reconnect with their day one fans.

True to its name, “Addicted” is a captivating house track that kickstarted the TCS6 era as the first single dropped. The single has already received plenty of love with The Chainsmokers playing it during their recent tour stops in Mumbai, Thailand, Colombia, and more. Featuring German DJ Zerb and vocalist Ink, the song explores the darker and grittier aspects of electro house. From start to finish, relentless percussion is accompanied by the unmistakable production style that has made The Chainsmokers one of the most beloved acts today.

Up next is “Friday,” the track that stood out to me the most. This gem pays homage to the band’s classic sounds without feeling stuck in the past. Calling on fans to bring “all the 2016 energy you got left,” The Chainsmokers enlisted R&B singer-songwriter Fridayy as a collaborator and tapped into his brilliant vocals to provide a breath of fresh air.

Continuing the rousing journey, “Bad Advice” offers a fresh twist for fans with its funky basslines and touch of disco-style percussion. This gem sees The Chainsmokers deviate from their typical style, and it highlights their individual talents as producers and musicians. Reminiscent of a soundtrack to a classic swing show, “Bad Advice” is a beautiful, melancholic track that anyone can let loose to on the dancefloor.

Fresh off the disco-soaked bliss of the previous single, “Tennis Court” embraces the contemporary club vibes with its catchy and energetic beats, all tied together by a thumping bassline. Accompanied by raw, heartfelt lyrics like “as long as I’m still bleeding, you know I’ll be yours” and “I hope you find what you’re looking for,” the track is a testament to the band’s creativity while retaining much of their finesse and storytelling.

Capping off the EP, “Green Lights (Demo)” tugs listeners’ heartstrings with its sentimental vibes and lo-fi tones. Leading off with polished synth melodies and glistening instrumentals, Drew’s vocals paint a heartfelt narrative of love and loss alongside the bass-inspired build-up.

With this new chapter, The Chainsmokers have delivered yet another dance-pop banger that runs full speed at life. No Hard Feelings is available now on all streaming platforms. Grab your copy now or stream the album on Spotify!