EDITOR’S NOTE: Op-Eds detail the views of their writers and are not representative of the stance of the paper. Publication of Op-Eds is not tantamount to an endorsement of their content.
When I first listened to “First Works” by 54 Ultra, I felt like I was stepping into a brand new world of sound. This EP isn’t just music you put on in the background, it’s the kind of music that makes you stop, pay attention, and feel something deep inside.
54 Ultra is an indie artist who is just starting out, and even though this is their first official project, it already feels polished and powerful. The title “First Works” is perfect because it really does feel like the beginning of something exciting, like the start of a long journey that we get to follow from day one.
One of the first things that caught my ear was how fresh the production sounded. The beats, guitars, and melodies blend together in a way that feels smooth but also emotional.
Each song has its own identity, but you can tell they all come from the same creative mind. Some tracks are dreamy and soft– almost like you’re floating – while others are louder and more energetic, making you want to nod your head or even get up and dance. 54 Ultra isn’t afraid to experiment and push their sound in different directions, which is something I really respect.
Listening to this EP made me think about those nights when you’re walking home with headphones in and the music feels like the soundtrack to life. That’s what 54 Ultra captures so well: the little emotions we all go through but don’t always know how to say out loud.
Even though 54 Ultra is new, the lyrics sound like they’re coming from someone who’s been writing for years. They express feelings of being lost, hopeful, lonely, but also motivated. There’s honesty in the words, and you can tell they come from real experiences. One of my favorite things about the lyrics is that they’re simple but impactful.
You don’t need to analyze them for hours to get the meaning, you just feel it. That’s why this EP feels so relatable. It’s like 54 Ultra is telling near universal stories we’ve all lived through in some way.
This EP feels important because it shows how indie artists can create projects that sound just as good (or sometimes even better) than mainstream releases. 54 Ultra doesn’t need a huge label or millions of followers to make something that connects with people. What they have is passion, talent, and the ability to channel emotions into music. And that’s what makes “First Works” stand out.
The title, “First Works,” implies this is just the start, and if the start is already this good, we can only imagine what’s coming next. The potential is clear, and I can’t wait to see how the story continues.
As a fan of indie music, I felt really connected to this project. Sometimes smaller artists don’t get the attention they deserve, and it’s easy for them to get lost in the sea of mainstream songs that sound the same. But 54 Ultra feels different and more personal, like they’re making music for themselves first, and then sharing it with the world. That honesty makes the listener feel part of something real. Listening to it for the first time was inspirational. It reminded me that everyone has their first work at some point, whether it’s music, writing, art, or even starting a new job or project.
And while starting can be scary, it can also be exciting. This EP made me want to work harder on my own passions because it showed me that when you put heart into something, people will feel it.
“First Works” by 54 Ultra is more than just an EP, it’s a statement: “I’m here, I’m new, but I’ve got something to say.” The mix of fresh sounds, honest lyrics, and raw energy makes it one of the best debut projects I’ve heard in a while. If you haven’t listened yet, I highly recommend giving it a try. Play it when you’re on the train, walking around campus, or just chilling in your room, you’ll find yourself getting lost in it.
For me, this EP proves that 54 Ultra has what it takes to go far. And honestly, I can’t wait to see what they drop next. If this is just the first step, the future looks super bright.
