Washer Dryer’s debut EP, Washer, is an engaging introduction to the indie rock duo of Alex and Karen.
Washer Dryer – Washer
Written and recorded while they were living in New York, the EP reflects the push-and-pull of city life—staying, leaving, finding hope, and losing it again. Across five tracks, the duo leans on enveloping melodies, well-placed harmonies, and a stripped-down approach that pretty much defines their style.
The opener, “Not Like Yesterday,” gets things moving with a fuzzy guitar tone, a driving drum beat, a confident vocal lead from Karen, and a chorus hook that is immediately catchy and emotionally charged.
“Washer” is an intimate debut with strong melodies, rich harmonies, and a raw, DIY spirit. It’s also proof that good music doesn’t need much to leave a lasting impression.
The mellower “City Is An Animal” slows things down. Built around gentle acoustic progressions and layered harmonies, it has Karen and Alex sharing vocals and perfectly complementing each other’s unique timbres. The arrangement is simple but effective, letting the melodies give the song its emotional pull.
“Baby Baby Baby“ keeps things slow with a bluesy sway, led by a steady, pulsating bass line. Alex takes the verses with a calm, focused delivery before Karen steps in to harmonize. The restraint in the arrangement works in the song’s favor, letting the duo’s vocal chemistry shine.
“Undertow” picks up the pace again with an upbeat rhythm and a strong vocal performance from Karen, backed by Alex’s harmonies. The effect-laden guitars build nicely toward the choruses, adding momentum and punch to them.
Closing track “Oblivion” leans more into indie pop, with restrained instrumentals and a bigger focus on atmosphere. It’s less about big hooks and more about setting a mood, rounding out the EP with a softer, more intimate touch.
Washer carries a sense of intimacy that feels personal without being insular. The production strikes a balance—clean enough to let the vocals and melodies shine, yet raw enough to preserve the duo’s DIY aesthetic. This hands-on approach extends beyond the music, as seen in the EP’s cover and video, which feature a clay recreation of the duo’s NYC bedroom inside a fish tank—a process that reflects the same care poured into the songs themselves.
I see Washer as an intimate and deliberate effort, unpretentious in its delivery, but that’s exactly why it works. It’s a collection of songs that showcases great elements without overdoing anything, which allows Washer Dryer to step into the indie scene with a clear sense of identity. The duo has a knack for memorable melodies and strong vocal work, making this a solid start with plenty of potential.
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Words Fidel Beserra
