Only The Poets – ‘And I’d Do It Again’

(Universal Music)

There’s something wonderfully disarming about a band that understands exactly what it wants to be. No overthinking, no desperate shape-shifting to chase trends, just big feelings, big hooks, and the kind of glossy indie pop that practically demands to be sung back at the stage. That’s the territory claimed by Only The Poets on their album And I’d Do It Again, and it’s a record that leans wholeheartedly into youthful emotion, romantic chaos, and the shimmering glow of modern indie pop.

If you’ve spent time with the sun-drenched melodrama of The 1975 or the jangly, anthemic charm of Blossoms, you’ll already have a sense of the sonic postcode here. But where those bands often flirt with irony or sonic experimentation, Only The Poets operate with a refreshing directness. Their music wears its heart firmly on its sleeve, occasionally scribbles poetry on that sleeve, and then throws the whole jacket into a crowd of fans.

And I’d Do It Again opens with the sort of cinematic curtain-raiser that signals ambition from the outset. There’s a sense that this album wants to feel like a night out condensed into forty-odd minutes: the anticipation before the doors open, the messy emotional aftermath, and all the euphoric sing-along moments in between. It’s a clever framing device because, thematically, this record lives in the aftermath of love, those blurry, emotionally tangled days when you’re replaying everything in your head and somehow still tempted to repeat the same mistakes.

Musically, Only The Poets stick close to the indie-pop blueprint that’s served them well: bright guitars, shimmering synth textures, and rhythms designed for bouncing festival crowds. But what’s impressive here is the polish. This is a band that has clearly spent time refining their sound, sanding down rough edges without sanding away personality. The production gleams in that modern alt-pop way, clean, expansive, and perfectly balanced between radio-ready sheen and indie sincerity.

Frontman Tommy Longhurst’s vocals remain the emotional centre of gravity. His delivery has that slightly breathless urgency that suits the band’s lyrical world perfectly. Whether he’s leaning into heartbreak, frustration, or wide-eyed romantic devotion, there’s a sense that he’s narrating from the middle of the storm rather than reflecting calmly from the sidelines. It gives the record a youthful immediacy that’s hard to fake.

Lyrically, And I’d Do It Again thrives on the beautiful mess of relationships. This isn’t the tidy storytelling of hindsight; it’s the confused honesty of someone still figuring things out. There’s plenty of self-awareness sprinkled through the album, admissions of bad decisions, lingering feelings, and the occasional moment of jealousy or regret. Yet the record never wallows in misery. Even when the subject matter dips into heartbreak territory, the music keeps things buoyant, turning emotional chaos into communal catharsis.

That contrast is one of the album’s greatest strengths. Only The Poets understand that sadness becomes far more powerful when it arrives wrapped in an irresistible melody. The result is a collection of songs that feel tailor-made for late-night sessions, post-party reflections, or sweaty indie club dance floors where everyone shouts the chorus like it’s group therapy.

There’s also a noticeable confidence in how the band handles dynamics across the album. Rather than hammering listeners with wall-to-wall energy, they allow moments of space and reflection to sneak in. These quieter or more introspective passages act like emotional resets before the next wave of shimmering guitars and sing-along choruses arrives. It’s a pacing decision that keeps the album feeling cohesive rather than repetitive.

What stands out most, though, is the sense of community baked into this record. Only The Poets have built a reputation as a band that thrives on the connection between artist and audience, and you can practically hear that relationship in the songwriting. The choruses feel engineered for crowds, big, emotional, and easy to latch onto after a single listen. It’s music that invites participation rather than passive listening.

In a genre that sometimes disappears into moodiness or stylistic detours, Only The Poets double down on the fundamentals: memorable melodies, emotional clarity, and a relentless sense of fun. There’s something admirable about that commitment. They’re not trying to reinvent indie pop; they’re trying to perfect their version of it.

‘Monumental’ is a bold early statement packed with bright guitars and a soaring chorus. It’s the kind of indie-pop anthem designed for festival crowds, full of urgency and emotional punch.

‘Emotionally Hungover’, as the title suggests, this one captures the morning after feeling of romantic chaos. The melody keeps things buoyant while the lyrics wallow slightly in regret, making it both relatable and irresistibly catchy.

‘Thinking Bout Your Ex’ is playful but slightly jealous in tone, this track leans into sharp lyrical observations and punchy instrumentation. It’s light on its feet while still tapping into those uncomfortable relationship insecurities.

‘Saké’ is one of the album’s cooler moments sonically, blending shimmering synth textures with a laid-back groove. It feels like a late-night conversation set to neon-lit indie pop.

‘You Hate That I’m in Love’ is an emotionally charged number that builds steadily. There’s a satisfying tension here as the song explores the friction that comes with complicated feelings.

‘Madeline’ is a warm, heartfelt moment. It balances sweetness with vulnerability, showing the band’s knack for storytelling through simple but effective melodies.

‘Freeze’ tightens the energy again with a punchy rhythm and dynamic vocal delivery. It feels urgent and immediate, like a snapshot of a relationship moment caught in real time.

‘Say!’ is bright, upbeat and loaded with singalong potential. It’s one of the album’s most direct pop moments, driven by infectious hooks and a sense of youthful confidence.

‘God Knows Where You Were’ is a moodier entry that adds a touch of tension to the album’s emotional palette. There’s a hint of suspicion and frustration simmering beneath the polished production.

‘Don’t Wanna Know’ leans into denial in the most relatable way possible. The melody is uplifting, even as the lyrics suggest someone avoiding uncomfortable truths.

‘Bad’ is a punchy burst of self-awareness. The band acknowledges flaws and poor decisions while wrapping it all in another irresistibly catchy indie-pop chorus.

‘I Keep On Messing It Up’ is honest and self-deprecating, this one embraces imperfection. It’s reflective without being heavy, leaning on melodic charm to keep things light.

‘Guess She’s Cool’ closes the album on a breezy note, mixing acceptance with lingering emotion. It’s a fitting final chapter, thoughtful, melodic, and quietly reflective.

And by the time the album reaches its closing stretch, the title starts to feel like more than just a phrase, it becomes a thesis statement. All the romantic chaos, the emotional hangovers, the questionable decisions… if given the chance, they’d do it all again. That sentiment captures the spirit of youth perfectly: the knowledge that things might go wrong paired with the irresistible urge to dive back in anyway.

And I’d Do It Again may not be a radical reinvention of the indie pop playbook, but it doesn’t need to be. What it delivers instead is a vibrant, heartfelt collection of songs that understand exactly what their audience wants: emotion you can shout along to and melodies that linger long after the final note fades.

In the world of modern British indie pop, Only The Poets aren’t just chasing the moment, they’re soundtracking it. And if this album proves anything, it’s that they’re more than happy to relive it, again and again.

7/10

Essential Track – ‘Emotionally Hungover’

Review by Woody