There might not be too many artists who’ve had a year as busy as better joy. Kicking off the year with the announcement of debut EP heading into blue, the project of Bria Keely has remained firmly on the radar with a steady stream of releases, festival appearances and support slots that puts our calendar to shame. I think I had a stretch where I was busy for three weekends in a row in the Summer. That was as crazy as it got.
Now Bria returns with new EP at dusk. A sister project to heading into blue that offers a more contemplative side. Lead single ‘this part of town‘ was launched alongside its announcement and showed exactly the depth of this tone. With a melancholic atmosphere with heart-strung melodies and a driven rhythm, it came alive as it illustrated the unknown journey that is new relationships. It’s a stark contrast to the likes of ‘carnival‘, but maintains a hopefulness that exists across both EPs.
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It leads nicely into newest single ‘steamroller’, which reclaims strength after a period of hurting. It’s possibly the most vulnerable better joy song to date, and backs it up with a fire that truly fortifies its message:
“Steamroller is an angry one. It’s about biting back after someone took a piece of you with them. They didn’t know you’re stronger than they thought you were – and actually, maybe neither did you. It’s a track from the EP that reflects a darker side – but it’s a big part of my story that I need to tell.”
With a huge chorus that kicks up some dust, ‘plugged in’ eases into frame as it settles with an extended intro. As the guitars build slowly with Bria’s vocals, the song brings a positivity that would align it quite nicely with its heading into blue counterparts. Written about finding a connection with someone, it feels like a nice example of how light can still find its way to you even if you’re stood in the dark.
‘i’m there’ chimes in with a throwback sound that would fit in the mid-2000’s, and offers some bolder vocals. As if inspired by the light, and dragging you through to the other side. ‘big thief’ meets you with its defiant sound. I like the progression of independence that moves across these tracks, and it hits its peak here. It has a real sense of liberation to it, which ultimately leads us to ‘so long’, which closes the EP with one last affirmation that everything will be okay.
at dusk might not be as immediate as heading into blue, but offers a depth that would appeal to those who like to dive a little deeper. better joy has always made material that’s easy to connect to, but the variation in topics and experiences hasn’t quite been as explored as much as it has here. What it does is pair nicely with its sister, provides an introspective and reflective stance and creates what is a complete listen.
Bria doesn’t miss, and at dusk signs off what has been a brilliant 2025 for better joy. With a headline tour already announced for next year, now’s definitely the time to get involved, as she’s sure to deliver again.