Sprints – ‘All That Is Over’ Review: A Controlled Evolution of the Fiery Dublin Rockers

Exploring Sprints' shift from raw intensity to refined control on their latest album, All That Is Over.

A New Chapter in Sprints’ Sonic Journey

If you've been following Sprints since their explosive debut Letter To Self, you might find yourself waiting through the opening track “Abandon” of their new album All That Is Over for that signature moment of eruption. That moment where the tension built up from anxious, slow-burning verses finally bursts in a spiraling frenzy of guitars and impassioned vocals – it’s the kind of catharsis that made their first record a five-star masterpiece.

But here’s the twist: All That Is Over chooses restraint over release. “Abandon” starts with the familiar creeping tempo and hushed unease, yet it never lets loose into that familiar explosive climax. It’s a new vibe from the fiery crew out of Dublin, signaling a deliberate evolution in their sound.

From Exorcism to Control

Where Letter To Self felt like a raw emotional exorcism led by frontwoman Karla Chubb’s candid confessions of shame and anxiety, All That Is Over steps into a realm of mastery and control. Chubb’s voice now carries a sharper, acerbic tone, flipping adeptly between incisive cultural commentary and explorations of desire.

Take the track “Descartes,” which cleverly probes the place of art in meaningful discourse. Or “Rage,” a vivid character study that evokes the polarizing figures of recent politics—think Trump or Farage with all their fiery controversy. Then there’s “Desire,” where Chubb’s sultry vocals glide over the music with a bold, confident playfulness:

“The tears gleam running down in teams / I do believe I’ll lick them from your cheeks,”
Karla Chubb, Desire

This shift in lyrical content pairs perfectly with the band’s aim for bigger, more expansive soundscapes. The bigger venues they’ve been playing since their debut seem to have encouraged them to sculpt songs that breathe and soar with anthemic power.

Anthemic Highlights and Confident Hooks

The choruses on All That Is Over have room to shine, giving tracks like “Beg” and “Pieces” a commanding presence. But it’s the penultimate track “Coming Alive” that stands out as Sprints’ most melodic and bold hook yet, a true testament to their growth as songwriters and performers.

Closing the album is “Desire,” a sprawling six-minute journey that begins with a spaghetti-western guitar vibe before morphing into a full-blown noise-rock assault. It’s patient, it’s daring, and it’s a perfect example of the band’s newfound confidence in playing with structure and expectations.

Check out the official video for “Need,” one of the album's standout tracks, blending the band’s signature intensity with their maturing sound:

The Growing Pains of Evolution

While All That Is Over is largely a promising step forward, the album occasionally stumbles on tracks that lean too heavily on their established formula. “Descartes” and “Need,” placed back-to-back early in the album, showcase tumbling drums and piercing guitars that feel somewhat restrained by the more measured songwriting approach. For longtime fans craving the visceral, incendiary bursts that Sprints mastered on their debut, these moments may feel a tad holding back.

Yet, the band proves they haven’t lost their fire completely. “Something’s Gonna Happen” is the album’s undeniable high point, a classic Sprints slow-burn that ignites into a raucous, intense finale. It’s a reminder that behind the polish and control, that raw, dangerous energy is still very much alive.

Album Details

• Record label: City Slang / Sub Pop
• Release date: September 26, 2025

Wrapping It Up: Balancing Control and Intensity

Sprints’ All That Is Over is a fascinating snapshot of a band evolving without losing their core essence. They’ve traded some of their debut’s explosive catharsis for a more controlled, confident sound that explores new lyrical and musical territory. This is no easy feat, balancing refinement with the raw energy that made them a band to watch.

Are you ready to step into this new chapter of Sprints’ journey, where control and fire coexist in an intoxicating blend?

FAQ

• How does All That Is Over differ from Sprints’ debut album?
  The new album emphasizes control and confidence over the raw, explosive energy of their first record, with more sculpted and anthemic arrangements.
• Who is the frontwoman of Sprints and what themes does she explore?
  Karla Chubb is the lead vocalist, exploring themes ranging from cultural commentary to desire and self-possession in this album.
• Which track on the album showcases Sprints’ classic intense energy?
  “Something’s Gonna Happen” delivers the slow-burn-into-rager vibe familiar to fans of their debut.
• What are some standout songs on All That Is Over?
  “Beg,” “Pieces,” “Coming Alive,” and “Desire” are highlights demonstrating their growth and range.
• When was All That Is Over released and under which labels?
  The album was released on September 26, 2025, via City Slang and Sub Pop.

If you’re as captivated by Sprints’ evolving sound as we are, why not bring that energy home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store and keep the spirit of All That Is Over alive on your walls. Explore the collection here.