Chase Travlnd- Tragic EP 

review By Lily O’Delia 

The Tragic EP feels like a complete evolution of that late-night indie sound that Charlotte, North Carolina based Chase Travlnd has been perfecting since he first hit the scene. Released on April 10, 2026, it works as a cohesive journey through the aftermath of a fallout, where Last Cigarette serves as the emotional anchor right in the middle of the tracklist. The opening track Tearing It Out sets a heavy tone with its raw energy, immediately signaling that the record isn’t going to shy away from the messier parts of closure. It flows perfectly into Heaven, which offers a bit of a sonic breather with its shimmering, ethereal guitar work, but still keeps that underlying tension that defines the project. “You’re everything I wanted, I was there til I wasn’t”  he sings on the track. A line that ends with quiet devastation.

As the album progresses, you get songs like Know Me Better that dive deeper into the themes of identity and being misunderstood, using a more stripped-back production style that highlights the grit in his vocals. In these moments, Travlnd’s delivery carries a haunting, fragile quality reminiscent of Elliott Smith, specifically in how he uses that intimacy to make the listener feel like they are overhearing a private confession. His music also has the same addictive quality to it. Changing The Locks is another standout that pairs a driving rhythm with lyrics about finality and self-preservation, mirroring the cinematic build found in Last Cigarette. The production across all five tracks is incredibly consistent, balancing wall-of-sound guitar work with intimate, quiet moments that make the louder choruses feel earned. It doesn’t just feel like a collection of singles but more like a short, sharp narrative where every song adds a new layer to the story. By the time the final notes fade out, you really get the sense that the project has covered the full spectrum of letting go, from the initial anger to that final, quiet realization. It is a tight, focused record that manages to be both moody enough for a solo drive and big enough to fill a room. Tragic Ep is a remarkable addition to indie rock and music on a whole.