Former Kill the Fake Patient Jeremy Mason’s new EP is a big shift away from his former group’s punk leanings. A former Dunedin-ite, Mason has relocated to the Northern Hemisphere, and his EP captures the rolling countryside with more than a hint of introspection and resignation. The six tracks feature Mason simply with an acoustic guitar – a fragile voice with insistent, spare strumming and haunting lyrics. And it’s beautiful music, with Mason’s melodic sense and undoubted songwriting talent shining through.
It’s sometimes hard to get a sense of personality in an EP, and perhaps a full length album might give a bigger sense of Mason’s personality. That said, this is an enjoyable unpretentious listen. The EP starts off well with ‘Stars’, which features Mason’s excellent guitarwork and evocative lyrics. His vocal performance is a little too hesistant, and perhaps he holds back a little too much when trying not to overpower the guitar.
A highlight is ‘Away We Go’, in which Mason’s propulsive guitar and regretful lyrics work to poignant effect. However, the standout track is ‘The Labyrinth’, in which a gentle picked introduction builds to excellent effect – the energy and tension in the music belies the minimalist setup. There is undeniable talent in this music, suggesting that Mason’s full length follow-up, due for release by the end of the year, is something to keep an eye out for.
