Keepers | Album review

On the morning of August 28th, Tiny Habits dropped their second studio album, Keepers! The group met in Boston, while at Berklee College of Music, (yay New England!!) and have been serenading audiences since 2022. 

Image Credit: https://tinyhabits.bandcamp.com/album/keepers

I’ve always heard of them, seen their video with Matty Healy of The 1975, but a friend encouraged me to listen to a few of their songs a few days ago ahead of this album release. And thank goodness she did. 

(Thank you, Emma. - I’m so happy you made me listen because now I have a new comfort band.) 

@tinyhabitsofficialwe released our song “Anything He Was” yesterday and our friend Matty sang on it…so here we are in real time playing it for you <3 “Anything He Was” with @Matty Healy out now 

Let’s dive in!! 

Track One: Love Ruins Everything 

The album’s opener, was released a day before the album, and sends the listener RIGHT IN. Choir like opening, a trumpet(?), and their jazzy voices sent shivers down my spine. The chorus is perfect, and this song was the best choice for the album opener. I wanted to listen to this over and over again, but instead got eleven more incredible songs. Off to a GREAT start. 

When it's over, it was all for nothing 

When it's happening, it's that or nothing else 

When you can't have it, it's all you want 

Oh, love ruins everything 

Track Two: Anything He Was 

The second released single of the album, from June, blends their ear-soothing melodies and melancholy, of comparing yourself to your partner’s ex. This song was absolutely ethereal, and they had Matty Healy sit in on some vocals as well! My Tiny Habits x The 1975 heart is warmed. 

Track Three: Someone You Love 

Hey can you see me or hear me?! This felt like looking in a mirror with my ears?? Anyways, this song evolves from the singer asking someone if they could be someone they loved, but then by the end of the song, realizes that they don;t need to change to be loved, if they love themselves, that’s enough. 

Track Four: Right In Front Of Me

One of Emma’s suggestions, and THANK GOODNESS SHE SENT THIS SONG MY WAY. Released originally as a single in April, this song makes the perfect sense as a single. Since I listened to it, I’ve been on Cloud 9. The intro harmony with all of them, the backtrack that makes me want to dance, all of it. The storyline is also incredible, but Cinya’s voice… perfect. And hey, maybe I did cry when I watched the visualizer, and hey maybe I did emotionally bond to Judah through my screen. But honestly, maybe that’s the perfect way to connect with the song. 

Track Five: Fragile, Too 

WOW, I’m getting whiplash. Cinya, your voice is something I’ll never get over. This song almost felt fragile when listening to it, the vocals so light and soft, I was scared to take out my headphones. I leave you, reader, with the first half of the chorus. 

But I don't want to lose that part of me 

That reaches out for you 

Baby, we're solid, but we're fragile too 

Track Six: Towel 

OOOOOO this one hits. Already swaying again as I write this, bur the blending of their voices accompanied with the fun backtrack genuinely makes this one of my favorites off the album. (and I could be completely wrong but I think there’s a xylophone in the back?? sounds amazing) 

Track Seven: Belt Loop 

WOOOOF. The piano drew me in INSTANTLY, and Maya’s soft voice was a beautiful pairing. Originally released in July , this song explores the uncertainty of being with a new person fresh out of a relationship, the sudden vulnerability that follows intimacy. 

Track Eight: Pattern Of A Person 

Wow, I didn't even give my day a chance!! This song was soulful, emotional, and personal. This song felt like the oldest child's guilt, of wanting to leave and pave a path, but feeling that history of how hard my mom worked for me. Emotional Friday morning over here! 

Track Nine: Survivor’s Guilt 

If it was all for the best, why do I have survivor's guilt? 

WOW! Belt Loop’s emo sister. I need to sit and listen to this one again brb. It’s so good. Track 10: Keepers 

Album name!!! Track that shares the album name!!! 

This instrumental track blends siren-like harmonies with a voicememo. Amazing 42 seconds of my life.

Track Eleven: What Do We Do It For? 

This song makes me want to sway and snap omg. Lyrics taking us worldwide (literally), but reflecting on the feeling of going on a tour, or just moving away, starting anew, and everything that follows; the new places, new foods, and new emotions. The chorus is perfect to me. 

What do we do it for 

I've been sleeping in a hotel 

With your picture in a drawer 

And oh, it's hard to ignore 

How stupid I sound to be asking for more 

'Cause oh, how lucky we are 

To be blowing out these candles 

And reading out the cards 

Oh, it tugs on my heart 

Track Twelve: Lonely Is A Silent Song 

Lonely truly is a silent song, like the song name conveys. Wow. Amazing choice to wrap the album together, their voices all shining strong, the message of the song itself hitting a bit too close to home, but I forgive them, they’re perfect. 

Genuinely go listen, it’s everything I wanted and more. 

And hey, TH, if you ever need someone to hang out with, sing to, or just wave at in passing, hit me up!! 

(final wow count: 4)