The Chainsmokers – Collage EP
It’s been a weird few weeks for The Chainsmokers. Ever since the duo spoke out in a Rolling Stone interview, they have been negatively criticized for dissing Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and deadmau5. And a hack on Drew Taggart’s Twitter account, which resulted in tweets mocking Gaga and Halsey, did not help restore their pretty clean image. But now, with the release of their second EP, Collage, they’re hoping to remind fans about what made this year their best.
The 5-track EP mostly contains previously released tracks, including “Don’t Let Me Down” featuring newcomer Daya and summer smash “Closer” featuring Halsey, which became the duo’s and the ‘New Americana’ singer’s first hit to reach the top of the Billboard chart. It has now been at number one for 11 consecutive weeks and counting. “Setting Fires” featuring XYLO starts the EP off, and is the only track in the pool to not have been officially released prior; instead, it was played at Amsterdam Dance Event 2016 for the first time. While it brings another “young unknown artist” to The Chainsmokers’ catalog, it capitalizes on the duo’s knack for uniting yet-another female-vocal-powerhouse with an instant dance knockout. The remainder of Collage comprises of electronic, ‘Indie’-tinted “All We Know” featuring Phoebe Ryan and “Inside Out” featuring Charlee.
At 18 minutes, this EP only plateau’s The Chainsmokers current success. With practically no new tracks, Collage pretty much seems like an excuse to get past the overplayed hits and move onto new material or a possible LP debut. Honestly, the major tracks should’ve been a precursor to a full length album instead of a small bundle. Regardless, the new “Setting Fires” and XYLO’s fun vocals are worth a listen.
The Chainsmokers – Collage EP | Purchase
