Kids Table EP

Published: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 4:01 am

Bright Eyes' New EP: A Mixed Bag of Melancholy and Unexpected Energy

Bright Eyes, the musical project helmed by Conor Oberst, has released a new EP titled "On Cairns (When Your Heart Belongs to Everyone)." The EP showcases Oberst's familiar introspective songwriting, but with varying degrees of success.

The EP opens with Oberst exploring the pressures of public life through a series of strained comparisons. While the lyrics delve into familiar themes, some critics have found them lacking in fresh insights and self-reflection. This sense of repetition is particularly evident in the cover of Lucinda Williams' "Sharp Cutting Wings (Song to a Poet)," where the original's emotional complexity is somewhat lost. However, the EP finds its stride when incorporating other vocalists. The inclusion of Leslie Stevens on the Williams cover helps to recapture some of the original's warmth.

The collaboration with Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff proves to be a highlight. Segarra's vocals provide a needed contrast to Oberst's melodies, particularly on the title track, where their voices harmonize. On "Dyslexic Palindrome," Segarra takes the lead, creating a tension that Oberst's performance struggles to achieve.

The EP also features an unexpected turn with the ska single "1st World Blues." This track departs from the album's more languid pace, featuring an uptempo beat, a horn section, and a direct, no-nonsense vocal delivery from Oberst. This shift in style proves effective, with Oberst tackling material and political realities in a way that resonates.

BNN's Perspective:

Bright Eyes' new EP is a mixed bag. While the familiar melancholic themes are present, the EP's true strengths lie in its collaborations and moments of stylistic experimentation. The inclusion of other vocalists and the unexpected ska single offer a glimpse of potential, suggesting that Bright Eyes is still capable of evolving and delivering compelling music. However, the EP's reliance on familiar tropes and lack of fresh perspective in some areas may leave some listeners wanting more.

Keywords: Bright Eyes, Conor Oberst, On Cairns, EP, music, album review, Alynda Segarra, Hurray for the Riff Raff, ska, indie rock, Lucinda Williams, Leslie Stevens, 1st World Blues

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