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 centers 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.
Background and release
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]
Composition
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][9] 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.[10] It was made after the release of the album, in a process where the artist went to psychotherapy and started a romantic relationship.[6][11] She wanted to expand the emotions in her music catalog as she struggled to write about positive experiences.[11]
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.[12] Driven by guitars, the song was compared by Felicity Newton of Dork to the soundtrack album for Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008).[9] Lyrically, it is about Chinouriri's relationship with her partner,[13] and describes how it is beneficial to her life.[10] The second track, "23:42", is an alternative rock track[10] with an upbeat production and features an airy vocal performance from Chinouriri.[9] Margaret Farrell from Stereogum wrote that it "sounds a bit like Gorillaz".[10] 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.[9] 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.[9][10] 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.[15][2] Robin Murray from Clash praised the EP's songwriting, which the critic described as Chinouriri's "most impactful and uplifting songwriting yet".[16] 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".[9] 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.[15]
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