Little House (EP)

Little House is the fourth extended play (EP) by the English singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri, released on 4 April 2025 through Parlophone. Consisting of four tracks and a duration of around thirteen minutes, it was entirely produced by Apob, who was accompanied by Chloe Kraemer on one track. The EP was co-written by Chinouriri after the release of her debut album, What a Devastating Turn of Events (2024), and centres on a romantic relationship with lighter sounds and themes than its predecessor. For its concept and title, Chinouriri drew inspiration from her own childhood dream of having a little house with a future partner.

The single "Can We Talk About Isaac?" preceded Little House on 5 March 2025, the same day the EP was announced. Upon its release, the project was met with a positive reception from music critics, some of whom praised Chinouriri's songwriting and performance. Reviewers also thought that it worked positively as a preview of the artist's possible second studio album.

Rachel Chinouriri released her debut studio album, What a Devastating Turn of Events (2024), to critical acclaim.^[1][2] At the red carpet of the Brit Awards 2025, Chinouriri stated to Clash that she was working on new music.^[3] On 5 March 2025, Chinouriri released the single "Can We Talk About Isaac?" and announced the then-upcoming extended play (EP) Little House.^[4][5] Weeks later, the artist began to serve as an opening act for Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet Tour across Europe.^[6] The EP was released on 4 April 2025 through Parlophone.^[7] Chinouriri's first North American headlining concert tour began in May 2025, coinciding with the first anniversary of What a Devastating Turn of Events.^[6][8] An expanded edition of the EP, with bonus track "What a Life", was released on 12 September 2025.^[9][10]

The lyrical content of Little House contrast with What a Devastating Turn of Events, which featured heavy and dark themes of personal struggles and trauma.^[2][11] The EP's title and concept were inspired by Chinouriri's dream of having a little house with a partner in the future, which she wanted since she was a child.^[12] It was made after the release of the album, in a process where the artist went to psychotherapy and started a romantic relationship.^[6][13] She wanted to expand the emotions in her music catalog as she struggled to write about positive experiences.^[13]

The EP opens with "Can We Talk About Isaac?", an upbeat^[4] indie pop^[2] and alternative pop song described as "typically crowd-pleasing" by George Griffiths from the Official Charts Company.^[14] Driven by guitars, the song was compared by Felicity Newton of Dork to the soundtrack album for Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008).^[11] Lyrically, it is about Chinouriri's relationship with her partner,^[15] and describes how it is beneficial to her life.^[12] The second track, "23:42", is an alternative rock track^[12] with an upbeat production and features an airy vocal performance from Chinouriri.^[11] Margaret Farrell from Stereogum wrote that it "sounds a bit like Gorillaz".^[12] The EP's closer tracks are stripped-back ballads. "Judas" changes the tone of the previous tracks and contains a mention of death; Newton said that it has a similar approach to What a Devastating Turn of Events.^[11] According to Rhian Daly of NME, the song also suggests that Chinouriri was betrayed by a person and she later forgave them.^[2] The lyrics of "Indigo" are intimate and find Chinouriri trying to be optimistic in vulnerable moments.^[11][12] Sonically, it grows to a crescendo with backing vocals and electronic beats.^[2]

Music critics believed that Little House positively worked as a preview of what Chinouriri's second album would sound like.^[17][2] Robin Murray from Clash praised the EP's songwriting, which the critic described as Chinouriri's "most impactful and uplifting songwriting yet".^[18] Similarly, Newton said that the artist showcased her writing versatility and "emotional authenticity", but wrote that "the tonal shift midway through might give some listeners whiplash".^[11] Daly believed Little House proves Chinouriri's artistry regardless of the lyrical themes,^[2] and Kayla Sandiford from DIY thought that it captured her musical growth and consolidated her status as one of the most interesting indie pop artists.^[7] Rolling Stone UK named the EP one of the best music projects from its release week, and wrote that it is "a strong appetite-whetter" between Chinouriri's albums.^[17]

Credits were adapted from Tidal.^[19]

• Rachel Chinouriri – vocals
• Aaron Paul O'Brien – bass, synthesizer (tracks 1, 2, 4); acoustic guitar (1, 3, 4), electric guitar (1, 2), drums (2, 4)
• Daniel Hylton-Nuamah – bass, electric guitar, synthesizer (track 1)
• Ross Higginson – drums (track 1)
• Glen Roberts – shaker, synthesizer, tambourine (track 2)
• Tyler Nuffer – pedal steel guitar (track 3)
• Matt Colton – mastering (track 1)
• Stan Kybert – mastering (tracks 2–4)
• Charlie Holmes – mixing
• Kyle Parker Smith – engineering (track 3)