Article by Katrina Gelety
On April 11, 2025, The Wrecks released the first part of their project, Inside :. Prior to its release, the band dropped two singles, “Speed” and “Always, Everytime.” I was hooked on both songs after first listen. “Speed” discusses feeling behind and thinking about what could happen if you could get yourself to break out and all of the possibilities that can come from not being in your own way. “Always, Everytime” describes the feeling of being seen by another person for things you assumed were unique to you, making you believe you might be different or weird. Both songs were perfect choices as singles since they piqued my curiosity to hear the rest of the project.
I was lucky enough to attend a press conference with 1824 and other publications to speak with singer Nick Anderson about Inside :. When asked about what the inspiration was for the project, Anderson mentioned that in the beginning of the album writing process, he didn’t have anything to say. This struggle of not knowing what he should write about caused Anderson to self-isolate, locking himself away from the outside world.
Anderson discussed releasing the project in two parts by going back to the struggle he had with writing the songs. He didn’t think he’d be able to give the band, the label, and fans a full album, but he knew he could get himself to finish half of it. The songs off of Inside : are what Anderson described as needing to be said right now, discussing his self-isolation, skill regression, and lack of confidence.
When asked what song Anderson was most excited for fans to hear, he said “I Didn’t Use To,” a song about knowing the great qualities you have but still feeling like you were somehow “made wrong.” Anderson mentioned that when he initially wrote it, he actually forgot to write a bridge for it. After hearing the bridge for the first time, I was impressed when I recalled that Anderson wrote it after initially finishing the song. It fits within the song wonderfully. The production dials back at the start of the bridge and builds as Anderson sings about what seems to be an internal battle regarding the “wrong” parts of him.
As of writing this, “I Didn’t Use To” is my favorite song off of the project which probably wouldn’t surprise Anderson as he is usually able to guess how well the songs will be received by the band’s fanbase. I asked if there’s ever been a time when an album or EP was released and he was surprised by the fan reception to a specific song. Anderson admitted that there hasn’t been and said he was able to guess the first day streams of “Speed” only being off by a couple hundred. I thought this was incredible and shows how he and the fans are on a similar wavelength. I would also imagine it’s freeing to create the music you love and excites you and to know that the audience listening will also enjoy it.
Another song I’ve had on repeat is “Why Can’t I Just Be Happy?” I love the flow and repetition in the chorus when Anderson sings “Why can’t- Why can’t I just be happy? Did I- Did I do something wrong?” It also gives the lyric that nervous/anxious stutter that people tend to have when they’re feeling self-conscious.
If you’re loving the release of Inside :, you should check out the tour dates below to see if The Wrecks are coming to a city near you. They recently posted on their Instagram that they are playing all of the songs off of the project live, so it’s the perfect time for you to head to a show. When asked what fans should expect, Anderson mentioned having the best night of your life while seeing some shrubbery and “tomfoolery” onstage.
I highly recommend giving this project a listen! The information on Inside : and the Inside : Outside Tour are below!
Girls Sound Off 