Album Review: Second Cities – Secrets (Self Released)

Second Cities don’t just make songs — they create stories and the latest chapter is a big one. The Birmingham alternative rock band are releasing their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Secrets’ on November 21st, 2025. Every show, every track, every story they tell is part of one mission: to make sure the forgotten know they are seen, heard, and never alone.

Take a freaking bow, Second Cities. A band that embodies what it means to grow. To compare what stands before us here, to what stood before us back in 2021 with ‘Out with the Old’, their debut EP, is startling. It’s like looking at two different bands, albeit one that took influence from the other, refined what they did, and then cranked the dial up in every single department.

Dare I saw, it’s just that little more grown up. Not just music for sad teens with happy faces any more, but music for sad adults with happy faces. They should be so proud of who they have become and what they have achieved here.

Which is momentous. An album filled with giant, alternative, rocking, emotastic anthems that are dripping in emotion. Though anyone who has paid attention to the build will know this already. Remember, Second Cities tell stories and the build, especially thanks to the video series they have done, has been captivating to experience. Those tracks are all here and sounding bigger than ever.

There’s no denying that the title track is up there as one of the biggest tracks Second Cities have created, and not just because it features Led by Lanterns. It’s one of biggest because it is a near-perfect showcase of the band’s evolved state. Where potent melody meets punchy alternative rock groove, we get a chorus that soars, and there’s an edge that is sharp enough to cut. This is the grownup side of Second Cities that I am banging on about and I love it.

Though I’m not going to deny I dig the hell out of the band’s polished emo edge, courtesy of a track like Black & Grey. Or the more intense side of the band that emerges on a mighty effort like Divide.

Heavier and darker, it’s Sacred, and as this track goes on, it really finds its own identity amongst familiar Second Cities alternative and emo-tinged ways. Big riffs, varied vocals, thumping drumbeats, and a powerful chorus, but it’s a bit of classy cinema and a hyperactive shift near the end that makes it really special.

The halfway point of the album arrives in style, thanks to Repent and Warpath, The former, somewhat manic and with layered vocal styles. The latter, moody and with pointed lyrics delivered with aplomb by vocalist Jamie. That would make the track notable enough, but check this, it has a breakdown and a guitar solo too.

Yes, this is Second Cities.

It’s no easy to task to top that grin-inducing moment, but damn it, the bassy thrums and thick drumming of If I Were to Scream comes mighty close. Whereas Ashes to Dust is where things get a bit experimental, albeit with one of the album’s grandest sounding choruses. Honestly, the more I listen to this album, the more impressed I am by tracks like this. Not only really unique, but clever and interesting. It’s how you keep listeners engaged, well, that and a ton of heart and soul. Which Second Cities have plenty of and they throw it all into this album.

That’s how it stays so effective as it nears its conclusion. The exceptionally talented five-piece giving us mournful melody, a bit of drama, some exciting heaviness (the guttural vocals are intense), and one hell of an infectious chorus with Vases. Then there is Voices of the Underground, a daring showcase of Second Cities’ connection to their listeners. A track likely to have a stronger effect in the live environment even though the vocal power is notable on record too. Before the record wraps up with the aptly titled Epic. An explosive, vibrant, and dramatic finale that should leave most immensely satisfied.

It’s remarkable to hear just how far Second Cities have come since they first came my way, having refined their style to a sharp point, never losing the core of what makes them special, but evolving to sound fresher and more modern. It’s a triumphant release, and they should be so proud of what they have created.

Second Cities – Secrets Track Listing:

1. Black & Grey
2. Secrets (feat. Led By Lanterns)
3. Divide
4. Sacred
5. Repent
6. Warpath
7. If I Were to Scream
8. Ashes to Dust
9. Vases
10. Voices of the Underground
11. Epic

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