This week we review the debut EP by indie folk singer-songwriter, Kyle Britton, titled “RIDDLE“. An LA based artist, Britton enlisted help from LA’s most seasoned musicians who play on the album- credits include (Daniel Lanois, Macy Gray, Elle King, Dave Matthews Band). His latest EP (released July 8th) takes you on a dark, mysterious journey of life and love, and leaves you seeking to hear and know more about the story behind the records.
Music Production = 4/5 * Engineering = 3.5/5 * Overall = 3.5/5
1. Villian
This songs starts off very eerie and kind of reminds me of Bob Dylan style when the vocals come in. As the song progressed, the more I felt it was a more modern day Johnny Cash feel to it. The thumping drums come in at just the right time as the song is about to break from acoustic tension. I particuarly love how the drums are recorded on this record; it gives it the perfect energy to keep the eerie theme alive. The subtle orchestral instruments that come in add even more drama to the song. The lyrics themselves don’t move me in any way in particular, but the tone of Kyle’s voice alone matches so in sync it doesn’t really matter what the lyrics are. I also enjoyed the orchestral jazz like outro. All in all a greatly produced record.
2. Riddle
This next song has more of a Jack White feel to it. I’m getting the idea the violin is a running theme. It works well with the acoustic guitar just like the previous song, but this has more of an upbeat feel. Sort of reminds me of the famous True Blood theme song. Lyrically this has more of a story to it, but again nothing that pulls me in. As I listen to this, I realize I’m more of a pop singer fan, however the way Kyle uses tension in this folk filled rock song pleases my ears. I could picture this song as an outro to some new age indie film about cowboys. Not as great production wise as the previous record, but still not bad.
3. Fire Walker
In this song there’s a nice walking bass line that pulls you in immediately. Of course the backbeat drums are greatly suited for the song. Catchy lyrics isn’t this artist’s strong suit, but again I don’t think what he’s saying matters too much against the backdrop of his beautifully produced songs. I found myself longing for an instrumental break – maybe more keyboard or some other sound that’s not in the previous two records. As an audio engineer, my ears got bored really quick. I do like the use of clappers in the bridge, but still some tambourine or shakers wouldn’t have hurt to insert there. I’m not impressed in the least at the vocal production so far on this record, but the music production is absolutely superb.
4. Sleepover
I get more of a pop feel in this record right off the bat, and for the first time I actually notice and care about what he’s singing. Just the break I was looking for in terms of instruments. An ukelele makes an appearance, and he threw in some “na na’s”, “oh oh’s”, and a catchy chorus – now I’m sold! It’s still not the pop excellence I was seeking, but it’s close enough. This song has more of an old John Mayer (Continuum era), think “Waiting On The WOrld To Change”. A nice pop song, but it’s no hit.
5. Shade Of Grey
This song switches back to rock edge, with the drums as a nice back beat, and that great use of acoustical tension. I like the “horn” flare in the background adding to the track’s ambience. I get a Johnny Lang kind of feel to this one (think “Lie To Me”), and I don’t mind it. I am appreciating how versatile this artist is in their sound. One of the hardest things to do as an artist is push yourself out of your normal comfort zone, and Kyle has done this successfully in my opinion. A crash along with the tom strokes might have done a lot for the failing energy towards the end, but it’s not a bad attempt at “grunge blues” if you will.
Listen to RIDDLE EP
