Run to Daylight: Classic poodle-haired rock sensibilities lead us into a well executed yet somewhat predictable EP opener. Steve Krause’s (SK) biting vocals fit the mix and add to the 80s feel of this track that despite its strengths, just might be 20 years too late coming.
Very Fine Line: A less predictable intro carrying a direct vocal immediately engages the listener as this track and its John Mayer resounding message ambles to what should be a more epic point in the song. Sadly opting to continue in its somewhat aimless way, it’s saving points are the tight guitar and subtle backing vocals which are both effective and dynamic.
Shadow Dragons: Just when you think this might be some kind of Enrique Iglesias affair with disengaging emotive vocals, the track refreshingly evolves into a more human, balanced track that echoes both Kenny Rogers and astonishingly The Hidden Cameras at the same time.
Treading Water: Leading to a track that’s a little too similar to its predecessor, the most promising intro yet takes us softly into a song that’s every bit as beautiful as Shadow Dragons. Its schmaltzy underpinning and sensitive delivery give this something of a Carpenters quality, so good for SK!
If I Were A Book: Tragedy tinged and tainted with a terrible yearning, this track is thankfully simple in both its construct and delivery. Lyrics like “I’m gonna write a brand new book, in a novel way” perhaps stick and jab the ear as they’re absorbed, but they do nothing to take away from a track that Extreme may’ve once written on a slow Sunday afternoon.
Sleep of the Dead: Hospital tracks are great, you can practically smell them a mile off! SKs more deadpan vocal delivery is more than welcomed as he leaves behind Enrique realms and travels toward Bruce Springsteenscapes and his ’Streets of Philadelphia’ on his lyrical journey spurred by the death of a loved one. Something of a sombre closing leaves me glad to see the back of any contrived tortured delivery and very happy indeed to have heard of this outstanding Californian.
It’s said that SK clarity and emotional vulnerability are key to his art. His great songwriting ability is undeniable and his lyrical storytelling is interesting to say the least. But I just can’t help but feel that his ballad-esque tracks are where he falls short, as he chooses to play the all too commonplace ‘tortured soul’ card. If he chooses to work toward his more cold calm and collected vocal delivery, this guy should get set to soar.