Following the release of 2020’s What Remains, indie-alternative rock band The Esteems are back with another EP release. Unleashed to the world on June 17, Voice Memos is a four-song collection that sees the band improve on their ethereal airy sound. The record also serves as proof that this is a Columbus band to keep close watch after. If it wasn’t apparent already.

The lineup for The Esteems on this record consists of Jessica Roman (vocals, guitar), Mark Butler (background vocals, bass), Evan Franchi (background vocals, keys), Jon Reeb, and Michael Robenalt (drums). The first two tracks are being freed into the world on recording for the first time. “Undertow” and “Mimic” were released as singles prior to the LP drop. All of the recordings on Voice Memos are intimate reflections, though, being serenaded into our minds by the floating powerhouse vocals of Roman. Their voice sounded flawless on the previous record, and it still sounds pristine here. The background vocals echo more emotionally pronounced as well, further adding to the ethereal nature of the group.

Something that The Esteems communicated well on What Remains is that this is a band that has deep emotional range. There really isn’t one specific mood that’s being painted that you can pin down on What Remains or Voice Memos; they are both incredible displays of what the band has to offer, for the present and future. This mantra is undeniably heard from the first faint, delicate guitar and the strings swelling in the background of “Ahhstria.” Roman’s blissful voice assures you that, “It’s hard to concentrate when you gotta work on yourself.” This musing sets the tone for the intimate platter Roman and company are serving on Voice Memos.

The way that The Esteems tracks are sequenced, they rise and fall, bounce back and forth like lovelorn thoughts racing around in your head. “Ahhstria” seems to be calling out for someone in a foreign place, while the bounce and swing of “Stone Cold” will leave you lovesick. “Undertow” picks up the pace with a jagged giddy-up pace that has the power to erase your jilted musings and embrace life in the moment. “Mimic” brings you back down to earth with a laid-back, bluesy overtone. While the feelings of the tracks slightly change, they never lose Roman’s contemplative look at the world and others around them. 

Personally, I think that What Remains and Voice Memos would make a great album. They compliment each other well while also not getting overly repetitive with their reoccurring themes. At the same time, that doesn’t at all affect the quality of the music you’re hearing. What it does show is that The Esteems is becoming a seasoned group and are ready and obviously able to take the next step.