The Pavilion: “Faces In The Crowd” EP Review
- Magda Kanecka
- Sep 17, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 20, 2025
By Magda Kanecka I September 2025
The Bristol-based four-piece band The Pavilion has recently released their self-produced sophomore EP, “Faces In The Crowd”, via Plant Pot Records. Recorded in Manchester, the band has outlined that this EP has brought them closer together as they embarked on a lineup change and stepped out of their comfort zone during studio sessions.
The EP opens with “Tomorrow’s Dead” – a staple within the band’s concert setlists thus far. The track begins with slower, almost sinister guitar notes that build up around the pre-chorus, followed by an explosive chorus and carefully crafted lyrics that do not disappoint. Additionally, Benjamin Mitchell’s drumming is particularly notable throughout the track, and I’m especially a fan of the melodic bridge.
“Against The Tide” follows up rapidly. I am a big fan of this track, especially for its melodic and tender lyricism, almost nearing pop-punk influences in the pre-chorus’ execution. Frontman Rhys Smedley’s voice here really reminds me of something Catfish and the Bottlemen would put out, in the best way. The lyrics dwell on the past and look back on things one wishes they had done when they had the chance to; the large and emotional ending further adds to the intensity of the song, leaving the listener pleased with its conclusion.
Track three, “Normal Folks”, is the longest track on the EP, and the entire five minutes of it, without a doubt, mark my personal favourite from the release. It is a staple coming-of-age song that I would put on if I were feeling especially nostalgic and needed a song that resembles that feeling perfectly. Bonus points for how good the drums sound throughout this song, yet again!
“Lonely Winter” entails excellent guitars from members Tom Phillips and Rhys Smedley, which both reach their notable peak around the two-minute mark of the song. This alternative and angsty track is definitely one of the band’s strongest on the EP, reflecting their signature sound brilliantly.
A notable transition from the previous song, the EP closes with the slower track “Pass Time”. The lyrics “Wait / Wait for me / Please / Please don’t leave” express significant vulnerability, which is a theme successfully maintained throughout this release. The track forms a unique conclusion and wraps the EP up well, leaving listeners seeking out more from the band. Smedley’s vocals sound particularly passionate here, wrapping up the band’s second EP and leaving it on a note reflective of the upcoming band’s intentions.
For fans of artists such as Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Backseat Lovers and Overpass, The Pavilion are for you. With their raw yet emotional delivery as well as the careful production that went into the EP, I do not doubt the band’s upcoming success.
