World’s First Cinema have announced their new EP, Palm Reader, due for release on October 6th via Fearless Records. The new EP conjures up a vision with blockbuster appeal and indie heart throughout its one-of-a-kind mix of boisterous rock and soundtrack-style orchestration, featuring previously-released singles “SOS” and “Palm Reader,” the latter of which was paired alongside an award-worthy music video filmed in the gorgeous Los Angeles Theatre.
“The Palm Reader EP captures a little bit of everything we do as World’s First Cinema – the theatrics, the dramatic production, and the cinematic touches that are so important to us,” says the band. “We’re proud to have this out there as our debut project with Fearless Records.”
Alongside the announcement, World’s First Cinema have shared their new single “Holy Water.” The track weaves a story about a person’s journey towards the end of their life – the pre-choruses find the protagonist “tending roses in the garden by the road” as they watch other souls walk through purgatory; each chorus asks why they endured such hardship and pain during their life. The song morphs and develops until the final chorus, when listeners are urged to understand that every moment of pain held an important lesson, making them into a stronger person.
On the track, the band explains, “More downtempo than most of our songs, this track gave us space to capture some of our favorite cinematic moments – especially the sweeping orchestral strings that weave throughout the verses. The dynamic difference between the softer verses and the heavier, soaring choruses was extremely fun to produce. Holy Water definitely gave us an opportunity to be vulnerable, while still weaving in the film-score inspired production that makes us who we are.”
The pair’s origin story is like something out of a classic flick…
A mutual friend invited John and Fil to a game night, and they naturally started chatting. A few weeks later, they met up for a session, cooking up their 2020 debut single “Can’t Feel Anything.” It eventually generated 2.2 million Spotify streams followed by “Red Run Cold” with 7.5 million Spotify streams. Both songs adorned their debut Rituals EP in 2021. They inspired tastemaker praise with “Supernatural.” Of the latter, The Line of Best Fit urged, “think Panic! at the Disco meets Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ – it’s fun, funky and spooky,” and WONDERLAND. attested, “the L.A.-based duo are redefining pop one theatrical rock melody at a time.” Carrying this momentum into 2022, “Young Beast” generated 1.7 million Spotify streams, and they teamed up with Punctual for the fan favorite “Castles.”
Along the way, the guys crafted what would become Palm Reader.
“The last EP was very dark and more guitar-driven,” Fil notes. “There was a spooky horror influence. This one is a step away from the darkness. We’re showing we have another side with dreamier tracks.”
John elaborates, “It’s a chance to expand on what we’ve already done and explore new territory. We’re painting a vignette into the future of what we want World’s First Cinema to sound like, while keeping a handle on where we came from.”
In the end, World’s First Cinema present an escape worthy of the big screen, and you’ll never want the credits to roll.
“We hope you get that post-movie feeling,” they both agree. “After it’s over, you’re light on your feet. You don’t know what hit you, but you’re awestruck, and you want more.”