By Sage Spirk, Contributor 

[Dead Oceans; 2025]

Rating: 7/10

Key tracks: “1st World Blues,” “Sharp Cutting Wings (Song to a Poet),” “Dyslexic Palindrome”

Brights Eyes newest EP, Kids Table, is real and raw. With the band always having been the poster child for the indie-rock/folk sound, Kids Table (released via Dead Oceans), stays true to that with quirky lyrics, storytelling and Connor Oberst’s creaky voice. Oberst’s voice has always sounded slightly strained, a quality that adds to the authenticity of Bright Eyes music. On Kids Table, Oberst’s distinctive shaky singing style is joined by two features, Hurray For The Riff Raff and Leslie Stevens. Across eight tracks, this EP pulls at your heart strings with original lyrics, makes you laugh and cry and even features a unique cover. 

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The opening title track, “Kids Table,” is convivial and nostalgic; a false lead for the rest of the EP, as Bright Eyes is seemingly set on breaking your heart with each song. This song reminisces on childhood and the simplicity of sitting at the kids table, a concept that resonated with the band so much they titled the entire EP after it. Oberst sings, “We’re going to a better place / Happiness you can’t escape / Sitting at the kids table on a holiday / Acting out your favorite scene on a big flat screen.”

“1st World Blues” expertly balances self-deprecation with humor in a way that makes you grimace then grin. It’s exaggerative, satirical, and blunt. Oberst sings, “You got the talking, walking, white boy blues / You’re just a tool that’s never gonna get used.” My favorite few lines take place during the verse: “I was talking crazy down at Old Navy / I was feeling despondent at Hot Topic / Cutting myself in the bathroom at The Gap / With the red snapback Tucker Carlson hat.” The lyricism is so intentionally edgy and over-the-top that you can’t help but love it. 

“Sharp Cutting Wings (Song to a Poet)” is a cover, originally written and performed by artist Lucinda Williams in the 80s; however, Bright Eyes’ take on it is somehow more heartbreaking. Oberst really accentuates his signature vocal quiver and shake, as though he’s been moved to tears as he makes love-letter lyrics sound more like mourning. It’s impressive to take on a work not of your own and transform the meaning and emotion it evokes while clearly respecting its originality. It truly is such a treat for those who love this old tune to stumble across Bright Eyes’ rendition.

My absolute favorite track is “Dyslexic Palindrome.” Hurray for the Riff Raff really shines here, with singer Alynda Segarra and Oberst trading verses. It’s one of the more melancholic tracks, but Segarra and Obersts’ voices sound so pretty and gentle that you almost forget about the depressing matter of the song and instead are lulled to sleep. This song is an ode to the monotony of life and the trouble of finding meaning, hence the reference to a palindrome (a word or phrase that reads the same backward as it does forward); but in this case, it becomes jumbled or “dyslexic.” I think this concept of a dyslexic palindrome is a unique way to convey the overwhelming nature of simply existing; a timeless sentiment.

It’s great to see a band that has been active since the mid-90s not lose their spark. After all these years, their music still gives that ache in your chest in such a special way. We can only hope for a full-length album in the near future. Whether it’s in pursuit of discovering Bright Eyes or reconnecting with their music, give Kids Table a listen.