With their EP ‘Non Finito’, the French duo (The) Next Door takes us on an intense journey through the ups and downs of human emotions. Founded by Bruno Guedj when he met the singer Octobre (Emilie Mouret) after a lengthy hiatus, this project feels like a fresh start—and what a start it is!
For a debut EP, ‘Non Finito’ makes a strong case for the staying power of dream pop—especially when it’s injected with a little rock grit. The talented duo has crafted a daring five-track release, with a sound that’s as textured as it is unpredictable. It’s rare to find a debut that sounds this layered—each song serves a distinct narrative, yet as a whole, the EP flows with cohesion.
Right from the opening notes, ‘Non Finito’ strikes a perfect balance between softness and intensity, drawing us in with lush arrangements. The EP opens with the lead single ‘Leave’, which brings the listener in on a subtle but pulsing beat. ‘Secret Garden’, the second single, explores the chaos that comes with toxic relationships, escalating from a simple riff to an electrifying finale.
Recall is about taking a new direction in life, driven by strong dream pop influences. By the time we reach ‘Son of a Gun’, which channels more aggressive new wave vibes and addresses inner struggles head-on, it’s clear that (The) Next Door isn’t just interested in making music. They’re really looking to connect with their listeners.
And then, there’s ‘Cinemascope’. It’s a love letter to Hollywood’s golden age where spoken word meets a pop melody.
For a duo with roots in projects as diverse as Universal-backed releases and self-produced indie work, (The) Next Door has created something fresh and undeniably their own. With ‘Non Finito’, they’re building a distinctive vibe that speaks to fans of both dream pop and alternative rock. This EP leaves us with a sense of anticipation, making us wonder what they’ll dare to try next!
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