British synthwave duo Wolfclub embarked on a dangerous journey this year. With no gigs and no tours due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Steve and Chris buckled down and promised their huge fanbase not just one album, but two. Just Drive Part 1 was released back in March, drenching listeners in a dreamy hope-filled vista of contemporary pop music. Just Drive Part 2 continues and culminates the narrative foundation built in Part 1 – but with some noticeable changes.

Just Drive Part 2 contains not only some incredibly catchy club anthems but also some of the most thoughtful writing the band has ever produced.

Wolfclub exclusively told Express.co.uk it wasn’t the easiest thing they have ever done, however.

Steve candidly said: “I’ve never felt this before, but in a weird sort of way, by having an album called Just Drive Part 1, I’ve never really felt pressure for the next album before.

“I kind of felt… loads of pressure for Just Drive Part 2.”

Steve also wasn’t afraid to admit his biggest fear for the new album: “‘Oh God, what if it’s not as good [as Just Drive Part 1]?'”

Thankfully, his fears were unfounded.

READ MORE: Wolfclub Just Drive Part 2 album review: Synthwave anthems with bite

Steve said: “We had a bunch of tracks that we really loved, some of them felt like they would slot in really nicely.”

While Part 1 and Part 2 do feel like they’re telling an elongated story, they also feel quite different.

This mostly comes down to the diversity of their sounds; distinct mixtures of style, tempo and lyrics throughout 12 tracks.

And both Chris and Steve are proud of their work – rightfully so.

With a hint of trepidation, Chris chimed in: “This is… it’s probably our best collection of tracks, for sure.”

Much like the record that came before it, Just Drive Part 2 begins with an explosion of sounds with the band’s latest singles, Flashback and California Days.

Chris revealed he didn’t look to create just another couple of synthwave songs for those tracks, however.

“It’s almost like grunge,” he said. “Kind of shoegazing, grunge, alt-rock… those [kinds of songs] for me are the easiest ones to write to.”

Although the album starts off with a string of guitar riffs made up of aural nostalgia, one of the most remarkable parts of the record comes in the form of track four: Crossroads.

The slower, more methodical track is a cry for help between the shades of a dying relationship.

Singer Dora Pereli passionately croons through part of the song: “Nothing lasts forever / That’s what everybody’s says / I had a little hope But you threw it all away / I still look for you sometimes.”

When questioned about the source of this emotional song, Chris, the songwriter for Crossroads, shrugged: “Who didn’t go through a difficult time last year?

“But [it was] various things for me. Travelling and not travelling. Relationships and not relationships.

“And… yeah. Crossroads is one million percent, lyrically, the most important song for me. When Steve sent me the instrumental it came pretty quickly.

“I don’t know how many occasions I have poured absolutely everything lyrically into a song… but that’s one of them. For sure.”

Creating a song as touching as Crossroads is a little dangerous, Chris added, as he feels playing it live might bring back the tough emotions he used to write the songs.

He said: “Hopefully I’ll be able to channel it. Crossroads would be one where I would have to be a little bit careful, maybe.”

With a smile, he later added: “I went through a tough time this year.”

Wolfclub Just Drive – Part 2 is out now, buy it here.