One of my favorite things about listening to all kinds of music is that moment when I hear an album and as the last few notes play out my reaction is, “Well, hmmmm…interesting…very interesting.”  You have to picture me with a slightly quizzical look on my face, staring out my studio window with one eyebrow raised.  In those moments I know that I have experienced some sounds that I need a few extra moments to analyze and process.  The why’s of that are many but in the case of this EP from abandcalledlove it was the stylistic mix and range of the five songs that took a few more listen-throughs to grasp.  

The lead track here “love” is a short 39 seconds of breathy vocals over a hammering but subdued keyboard and a bass you can feel.  It builds into a swell of atmosphere before clipping out perfectly as the second song “INFINITE” drops right into place.  That one is a power-pop anthem through and through with soaring guitars, tight drums and strong vocals that set a tone of hopeful anticipation.  

Then along comes the middle track “A Liar!” which has much more of a rock feel to the music but opens with an almost spoken word vocal over a prominent drum line.  That vocal style carries through much of the song although the chorus is full-blown modern rock.   The bridge outro also builds up a glorious amount of noise before buzzing out on static.  

On my first listen to this EP the next song “The Love I Can’t Let Go” started playing and I was instantly transported to the 80’s…I half-expected a Simon LeBon cameo…it was a cool start for sure.   Much of the style of the music stays in that retro pop-rock groove and the piano at the end if a perfect counterpoint to the rest of the song. 

Closing out on the ballad “untitled / new year theme” is a nice finishing touch.   There are some very thoughtful lyrics set against a quiet, slightly nostalgic feeling musical composition.  After you listen through a few times the melody sticks with you and the meaning of those lyrics can change a bit depending on your mood.  

So, I did manage to sort that all out and it was a pretty nice journey.  This is a very good EP (coming out September 26th via Valiant Sound Co.) with a range of styles played and sung by accomplished musicians that are in great form.  I know that they have been garnering much positive buzz and this release should add to their momentum.  

“A Liar!” is the first single off of this EP and you can check it here on YouTube:

And you can do a pre-save for the album here:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/abandcalledlove/thriving-season-2/

Musicians are: Ryan Chandler Love (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Blake Aldridge (guitar, vocals, keyboards, percussion), Austin Yagle (drums, percussion, keyboard, vocals), Ian Joshua Riley (guitar, keyboard, vocal) and Brooks Roberts (bass, vocals). 

Please remember to support your local community artists, bands and businesses!