Little House (EP)

Little House
EP by
Released4 April 2025 (2025-04-04)
Length13:01
LabelParlophone
Producer
  • Apob
  • Chloe Kraemer
Rachel Chinouriri chronology
What a Devastating Turn of Events
(2024)
Little House
(2025)
Singles from Little House
  1. "Can We Talk About Isaac?"
    Released: 5 March 2025

Little House is the fourth extended play (EP) by the English singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri, released on 4 April 2025 through Parlophone. Consisting of four tracks and a duration of around thirteen minutes, it was entirely produced by Apob, who was accompanied by Chloe Kraemer on one track. The EP was co-written by Chinouriri after the release of her debut album, What a Devastating Turn of Events (2024), and centers on a romantic relationship with lighter sounds and themes than its predecessor. For its concept and title, Chinouriri drew inspiration from her own childhood dream of having a little house with a future partner.

The single "Can We Talk About Isaac?" preceded Little House on 5 March 2025, the same day the EP was announced. Upon its release, the project was met with a positive reception from music critics, some of whom praised Chinouriri's songwriting and performance. Reviewers also thought that it worked positively as a preview of the artist's possible second studio album.

Background and release

Rachel Chinouriri released her debut studio album, What a Devastating Turn of Events (2024), to critical acclaim.[1][2] At the red carpet of the Brit Awards 2025, Chinouriri stated to Clash that she was working on new music.[3] On 5 March 2025, Chinouriri released the single "Can We Talk About Isaac?" and announced the then-upcoming extended play (EP) Little House.[4][5] Weeks later, the artist began to serve as an opening act for Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet Tour across Europe.[6] The EP was released on 4 April 2025 through Parlophone.[7] Chinouriri's first North American headlining concert tour began in May 2025, coinciding with the first anniversary of What a Devastating Turn of Events.[6][8]

Composition

The lyrical content of Little House contrast with What a Devastating Turn of Events, which featured heavy and dark themes of personal struggles and trauma.[2][9] The EP's title and concept were inspired by Chinouriri's dream of having a little house with a partner in the future, which she wanted since she was a child.[10] It was made after the release of the album, in a process where the artist went to psychotherapy and started a romantic relationship.[6][11] She wanted to expand the emotions in her music catalog as she struggled to write about positive experiences.[11]

The EP opens with "Can We Talk About Isaac?", an upbeat[4] indie pop[2] and alternative pop song described as "typically crowd-pleasing" by George Griffiths from the Official Charts Company.[12] Driven by guitars, the song was compared by Felicity Newton of Dork to the soundtrack album for Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008).[9] Lyrically, it is about Chinouriri's relationship with her partner,[13] and describes how it is beneficial to her life.[10] The second track, "23:42", is an alternative rock track[10] with an upbeat production and features an airy vocal performance from Chinouriri.[9] Margaret Farrell from Stereogum wrote that it "sounds a bit like Gorillaz".[10] The EP's closer tracks are stripped-back ballads. "Judas" changes the tone of the previous tracks and contains a mention of death; Newton said that it has a similar approach to What a Devastating Turn of Events.[9] According to Rhian Daly of NME, the song also suggests that Chinouriri was betrayed by a person and she later forgave them.[2] The lyrics of "Indigo" are intimate and find Chinouriri trying to be optimistic in vulnerable moments.[9][10] Sonically, it grows to a crescendo with backing vocals and electronic beats.[2]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
DIY[7]
Dork4/5[9]
NME[2]
Pitchfork7.2/10[14]

Music critics believed that Little House positively worked as a preview of what Chinouriri's second album would sound like.[15][2] Robin Murray from Clash praised the EP's songwriting, which the critic described as Chinouriri's "most impactful and uplifting songwriting yet".[16] Similarly, Newton said that the artist showcased her writing versatility and "emotional authenticity", but wrote that "the tonal shift midway through might give some listeners whiplash".[9] Daly believed Little House proves Chinouriri's artistry regardless of the lyrical themes,[2] and Kayla Sandiford from DIY thought that it captured her musical growth and consolidated her status as one of the most interesting indie pop artists.[7] Rolling Stone UK named the EP one of the best music projects from its release week, and wrote that it is "a strong appetite-whetter" between Chinouriri's albums.[15]

Track listing

Little House track listing[17]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Can We Talk About Isaac?"
  • Kraemer
  • Apob
4:03
2."23:42"
  • Chinouriri
  • Aaron Paul O'Brien
  • Glen Roberts
Apob3:01
3."Judas" (Demo)
  • Chinouriri
  • O'Brien
  • May Weitz
Apob2:54
4."Indigo"
  • Chinouriri
  • Roberts
  • Rich Turvey
Apob3:01
Total length:13:01

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[17]

References

  1. ^ Kurp, Josh (19 March 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri Shares How She's Inspired By Sabrina Carpenter And Charli XCX's 'Hard Work'". Uproxx. Archived from the original on 6 April 2025. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Daly, Rhian (1 April 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri – 'Little House' EP review: a satisfying signpost of what might come next". NME. Archived from the original on 2 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  3. ^ Murray, Robin (6 March 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri Announces New EP 'Little House'". Clash. Archived from the original on 4 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  4. ^ a b Jones, Damian (6 March 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri shares euphoric new single 'Can We talk About Isaac?' and announces 'Little House' EP". NME. Archived from the original on 8 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  5. ^ Kelly, Tyler Damara (6 March 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri unveils new single "Can We Talk About Isaac" and announces forthcoming EP". The Line of Best Fit. Archived from the original on 9 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  6. ^ a b c Paul, Larisha (5 March 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri Can't Believe Her Luck on New Single 'Can We Talk About Isaac?'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 8 April 2025. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  7. ^ a b c Sandiford, Kayla (2 April 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri - Little House". DIY. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  8. ^ Taylor-Singh, Heather (12 May 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri's Duty Is for Black Girls to Feel Seen". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on 13 May 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g Newton, Felicity (3 April 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri – Little House EP". Dork. Archived from the original on 4 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  10. ^ a b c d e Farrell, Margaret (4 April 2025). "Step Into Rachel Chinouriri's Little House EP". Stereogum. Archived from the original on 5 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  11. ^ a b Kaplan, Ilana (6 May 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri Reveals How Sabrina Carpenter Inspired Her to Make Sure Not to Get 'Cocky' with Fame (Exclusive)". People. Archived from the original on 7 May 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  12. ^ Griffiths, George (6 March 2025). "New Music Friday: Lady Gaga, JENNIE, Elton John & Brandi Carlile and Rachel Chinouriri". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 15 May 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  13. ^ Jamieson, Sarah (7 March 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri confirms new EP 'Little House' & shares preview with 'Can We Talk About Isaac?'". DIY. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  14. ^ Green, Walden (10 April 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri: Little House EP Album Review". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 8 May 2025. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  15. ^ a b "5 albums you need to hear this week". Rolling Stone UK. 4 April 2025. Archived from the original on 19 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  16. ^ Murray, Robin (4 April 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri Unveils 'Little House' EP". Clash. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  17. ^ a b "Little House / Rachel Chinouriri / Credits". Tidal. 4 April 2025. Archived from the original on 1 June 2025. Retrieved 6 April 2025.