By Chloe Morris
Photo Credit: Erskine Records/Giant Music
The epitome of cottagecore, Mitch Rowland’s second album Whistling Pie feels like a beautiful love letter to the British countryside, and to life beyond touring with Harry Styles.
As Rowland continues to carve out and explore his own sound, this indie-folk-tinged album genuinely took me by surprise.
It painted a vivid picture in my head, of a cottage nestled deep in the British countryside; smoke billowing from its chimney. It’s warm, homely, and inviting. The album starts off simple, with an instrumental track, titled Cabin. This opening draws you in – its simplicity creates a calm, relaxed mood, yet it leaves you longing for more.
As the album progresses, the imagery became more and more vivid. Tracks like Nothing Is True evoke a sense of letting go and becoming freer. I particularly love how the guitar cuts through Rowland’s vocals in the song – like a knife through butter.
A true highlight for me is Really Ready, which starts off with a heavy beat before the guitar lifts you up and carries you away. It’s an easy listen that conjures the image of a road trip, roof down, summer breeze in your hair. It’s catchy and had me singing along by the first chorus – true playlist-core perfection!
With Be Your Man, we get a noticeable shift in tone. This slower track wraps you in longing guitar strums. It breaks away from the album’s lighter, more upbeat energy, and the change in tempo feels smooth and welcome. The same can be said for Carry On With Your Tea, where a burst of rock energy in the bridge instrumental brings a whole new life to the track.
The versatility of this album is something special. On my first listen, heading through the Somerset countryside, the soundtrack romanticised the journey completely. On my second listen, I was out walking when it started to rain. The instrumentals felt just as fitting. Certain strums even echoed like raindrops against the pavement. This album suits any season, any mood, all year round.
To conclude, Rowland’s second album is a lovely representation of his evolving sound. It’s a strong addition to his discography and showcases his talent for translating emotion into music. After seeing him perform some of these tracks live, I can also say that they’re just as enchanting in person as they are through headphones.
After recently cancelling his upcoming headline tour due to rising production costs, Rowland has announced he will perform for one night only on the 26th October in London, at The Old Church, Stoke Newington.
Tickets go on sale this Monday 15th October at 10am via mitchrowland.com.
If you’re in the mood for a calming evening filled with excellent music, I highly recommend grabbing a ticket.
Unless otherwise stated, Photography & Text Copyright 2025 © Chloe Morris/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Casey Brockbank