Born from an ending, Chicago’s Better Love is the follow-up project of vocalist and guitarist Brad Harvey, who had gone through the breakup of a previous project shortly before the start of the pop-rock ensemble. Dan Walton, Kevin Provencher and Jackie Heuser finish the line-up.

We Were Younger and Less Put Together, the group’s debut 7-song EP, offers an introspective look into past relationships and the evolution into adulthood accompanied by flashy drum hits, high-energy, shining guitar riffs, and addictive hooks. Produced by Always Be Genius producer Seth Henderson, the EP leaves no room for staying still. Growing from the reflective and honest lyrics is a constant swell of energy, making for a memorable introductory EP.

With their single “Pretending,” the energy stays high while the mood stays cynical. “Are we getting better or getting better at Pretending?” sings Harvey against a body-twirling tempo. “’Pretending’ focuses on the present tense and sobering thoughts about the connection you have with people around you and whether or not things are actually ‘okay,’” Harvey says about the single’s subject matter. With this track, the band offers another chance to dance away the uncertainty of growing up.