Senses - Onto Something

Los Angeles alt-pop outfit Senses is on a fast rise—and with their brand-new EP, Onto Something, once again from Hopeless Records, they prove they’re not just part of the current wave of emotional, hook-heavy pop rock—they’re helping steer it. The self-proclaimed “emo-friendly, punk-curious” duo of vocalist and guitarist Madison Taylor and drummer Nick Sampson return with a project that’s equally vulnerable and volatile, a seamless balance of modern edge and nostalgic heart.

Formed in 2019 after a Craigslist connection between Taylor and Sampson, senses first made a name with their debut EP, take me out of here (2023), a raw yet polished introduction filled with heartbreak, catharsis, and enough anthemic energy to light up any stage. But Onto Something marks a confident leap forward. With crisp production, sharper songwriting, and an undeniable chemistry between its emotional highs and crashing lows, the EP is the sound of a band that has found their stride—and knows exactly who they are.

Opening with the single, “OBSESSED,” the record immediately grabs you with a rush of adrenaline and flirtatious chaos. It’s the kind of track that captures the giddy panic of a new crush—fun, impulsive, and “a little unhinged in the best way,” as the band puts it. Taylor’s vocals soar above driving guitars and pounding drums as she swings between infatuation and frustration, creating a whirlwind that feels as catchy as it is cathartic.

“SKIN” turns inward, peeling back emotional layers with darker textures and an alt-rock bite. It’s a simmering reflection on identity and self-perception, evoking a feeling of standing on the edge of transformation. Meanwhile, the EP's title track “ONTO SOMETHING” perfectly captures that electrifying spark between two people dancing around unspoken feelings. With its irresistible chorus and glistening production, it’s an undeniable highlight—intimate yet explosive, playful yet sincere.

Then comes “CLEAN CUT,” the band’s recent single and emotional centrepiece. It’s a pop-punk anthem about shedding old habits and confronting change head-on, carried by Taylor’s commanding vocal delivery and Sampson’s tight, dynamic drumming. The track embodies senses’ evolution—both sonically and lyrically—showcasing their ability to turn personal reflection into something universal and uplifting.

The closing stretch softens the edges without losing impact. “YOU AND I” channels mid-2000s pop-punk energy with a cinematic shimmer, a love song tinged with longing and defiance. Finally, “TIPTOEING” closes the project with a bittersweet vulnerability. It’s a song about second chances and tentative hope—about inching back toward someone even when your heart still trembles. With its slow-burn build and emotive storytelling, it ends the EP on a note that’s both heartbreaking and healing.

Throughout Onto Something, senses never lose sight of their emotional core. Every lyric feels lived-in, every hook deliberate. It’s a record about growth, desire, and the courage to face yourself after the chaos clears. There’s a sense of clarity here—a realization that the band truly is onto something, carving out a space between emo introspection and alt-pop confidence that feels authentic and exciting.

With Onto Something, senses deliver a breakthrough body of work that’s deeply relatable, irresistibly catchy, and charged with self-awareness. It’s not just a next step—it’s a statement: they’ve arrived, and they’re here to stay.

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