Anaïs & The Hoops “Growing Pains” EP Review

"Growing Pains" Album Art

Magda Kanecka | February 2026

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Anaïs & The Hoops, the stage name for 25-year-old Anaïs Lund, released her debut EP “Growing Pains” on 5 September 2025, but with the recent release of the title track’s music video, it is safe to say our team has been paying attention to the singer.

Anaïs’ debut EP opens with the track “You,” a clear fan favourite and the most-streamed single on the release so far. The singer’s Amy Winehouse-inspired vocals are evident in this track, and I am a big fan of how the guitars build up around the chorus before toning back down in the verses. 

Another thing worth noting about “You” is the background vocal harmonies. A true softcore and indie track, the song describes being in love and hoping that the other person reciprocates.

The EP’s soft opening leads into “Cool,” a track that makes you anticipate the choruses as you listen to the verses. “Life becomes full of little white lies,” sings Anaïs in one of the verses, describing situations of uncertainty and not wanting to put up with them. 

This is a quintessentially indie track with almost nostalgic notes, and once again, the background production is particularly worth noting as you listen.

“Passe le temps,” or “let time pass,” is a track entirely in French, and it is thanks to our writer Matias, who kindly translated the lyrics, that I can comment on the track more accurately.

The theme of the track is very melancholic – the lyrics comment on feeling comfortable at a point in your life, and wanting to stay that way for a long time. “Life pushes us / For better or worse / But in your arms / Everything feels infinite,” Anaïs sings.

The melody and the singer’s voice both sound incredibly intimate and full of emotion on this toned-down track, only confirming the claim that French is an incredibly romantic language – and I say this as someone who does not speak a word of it. The track is sensual in a way that I am not sure would be executed if the lyrics were directly translated into English..

Track four, “Stick to the script,” picks the pace up yet again – and it is my personal favourite from the release. With more alternative notes in the guitars and drums, this song is self-critical and accountable, discussing themes of comparing oneself to others and recognising that it isn’t healthy.

The track advises the listener to reset, to go back to default, and to literally, pun intended, “Stick to the script” of what we know. I’m a big fan of the optimistic message here, and I think the choruses are my favourite parts.

The penultimate track, “Blue,” is lightweight and, in Anaïs’ words, “the meaning [of this song in her life] continues to change.”

In its sound, it reminds me of the previous track “Cool” in the jazz-style vocals, combined with a more indie, guitar-centred melody. 

Finally, on the title track, and conveniently the closing track of the EP, Anaïs’ vocals are soft, along with mellow and intimate lyrics about friendship dynamics evolving as you age. “Growing Pains” is about growing up, but not wanting to outgrow the little child still left within you.

About the song, she says: “Friendships shape us just as deeply as romantic love, especially the ones we carry from childhood into adulthood.

“The song is a love letter to best friends and to growing up alongside the people who feel like home.”

I like that the title track of the EP is actually the last on the track list – it ties “Growing Pains” together and evokes a nostalgic feeling that many listeners can relate to. If anything, it is hard to believe that this is Anaïs Lund’s first release.

She is definitely an artist to check out if you are a lover of stable, indie and jazz-style vocals, encapsulated in a range of tracks from soft and mellow to more upbeat ones. And this EP does a great job at showcasing both.

Listen to the “Growing Pains” EP here!

Watch the music video to “Growing Pains” here!

Follow Anaïs & The Hoops on Instagram here!