Nearly six years ago, Whethan, then just 19, released his debut album “Life of a Wallflower,” showcasing glossy, timeless dance-pop filled with starry-eyed anthems about the elusive search for love.

Today, Whethan unveils “Life of a Wallflower, Vol. 2,” revealing an artist who has moved beyond romanticized youth into a darker, more introspective space. This stunning sequel pulses with the tortured energy of growing pains, marking a stark departure from the optimism of its predecessor and instead offering a raw portrayal of disillusionment.

The new album diverges from the bubbly production of the first, thrashing with a dizzying mix of distorted bass that feels both expansive and claustrophobic, mirroring the tumultuous minds of those navigating early adulthood. Tracks like “sick of myself” and “PLACE IN MY MIND” dive deep into the internal struggles of an artist grappling with lost innocence.

Whethan fills this void with dark, hedonistic club bangers perfect for reckless abandon. The down-and-dirty house track “ROOM IS ON FIRE” (featuring AG Club) and the disco-fueled “DO YOU REMEMBER?” bring the party vibe, with the latter revisiting the naïveté of Vol. 1 but breaking through its surface, reflecting on the bitter aftertaste of a love once believed to be everlasting.