Ritalin | Growing Pains
- Chuck
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
Ritalin is an indie band from Dublin/Wicklow that I have written about previously, and most importantly, I expressed my deep admiration for their wonderful song, Anymore. You can read that amazing piece of work here.
On September 1st, 2025, Ritalin will release their debut EP, Growing Pains, on all major streaming platforms. What really impresses me is, this is a DIY project and you'd be hard pressed to tell, such is the fantastic production and well mixed and mastered output. The band retain their impressive vocal harmonies from their earlier releases but have added a more polished production quality with a brilliantly multi tracked and layered sound. This is very evident on the title track which builds momentum and has a wonderful atmospheric outro. The title song also has a great guitar solo with an awesome tone. I just wish the solo was a little longer as I was about to get my Pink Floyd head nod going. The whole EP even has a concept album feel, which I won't spoil. Go listen.
In the words of Ritalin themselves,
"This EP is about the messy process of growing, in many aspects of the word – and the pains, obstacles and experiences that come with that.”
Stand out tracks for me are, There 4 Me, Holding On To You, Cloud 9 and the title track, Growing Pains. Ok, I get it! I've just named them all but they're all a little different and great in their own way. If you put a gun to my head, right now, I'd say the absolute best track on the album is the closing one, There 4 Me. It's a total indie classic, bleeding emotive layers of melodies and harmonies and a great way to close the affair.
Growing Pains by Ritalin is an energising and upbeat melodic feast of youthful energy. From the multitude of layered harmonies, the blistering yet emotive guitar melodies, to the outstanding tone and delivery of Leah Duane's vocals, I can confidently say that Ritalin are a band to be taken seriously and I think this is an EP they can be proud of. I sincerely look forward to the next chapter in their fascinating journey. Well done to all involved. You nailed it.
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