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EP: Swings // ARTIST: Glenn Esmond
Life's gains and losses hit ravishing highs in the hands of singer-songwriter Glenn Esmond with his recently unveiled EP 'Swings'.
An unpretentious EP of four alt-folky tracks is seemingly not what would be expected from Sydney-based Glenn Esmond; one quarter of the seminal Aussie alt-rock group The Butterfly Effect, Esmond's rockstar status would typically signal much heavier leanings. But with his solo material, there's in-depth inklings into the endearing effect of Esmond's work with TBE - and a dazzling peek into the mind of a true Aussie storyteller.
Written in-between working as a wedding singer, occasionally reuniting The Butterfly Effect and becoming a dad for the first time, the permeating narrative behind 'Swings' is one of universality; hope, love, loss and growing up all skim the sides of the four tracks as Esmond deftly translates his own experiences into sonic warmth.
Opening track 'Happy Birthday Dad' could quite easily be the love-child of the likes of Paul Kelly and Bob Evans, with a deeply personal Esmond weaving acoustic elegance and haunting simplicity beneath powerfully serene vocals. 'The Mistake' follows on with deeper grooves, dazzling melodies and some stellar basslines that nod at Esmond's Butterfly Effect alter-ego.
THE MISTAKE (GLENN ESMOND)
Jumping into the latter half of 'Swings', 'Insignificance' unfurls with swirling acoustic guitars, pounding percussion and Esmond ruminating on living in the moment and a glimpse into his experiences of a life in the spotlight at such a young age. Closing track 'Audition' ends proceedings in style, building in ethereal synths, guest vocals and some searing electric guitar to beef up this heart-rending rock ballad to gripping heights, with Esmond's powerful vocals truly reaching full force amid the moody rock backdrop.
There's no question Glenn Esmond is capable of conjuring musical sorcery; his backstory alone attests to his razor-sharp musical chops. But what is perhaps most enlightening with this latest release is the emotional depth and creative flair not always present with an artist already so attuned to success; 'Swings' is a stirring and magnetic offering in the short space of four songs, but with a lifetime of experience and songwriting passion beating through. So whether you're a fan of good old-fashioned Aussie storytelling or just need some blissful tunes to get you through the week - swing some Glenn Esmond into your soul. You shan't regret it.
GLENN ESMOND'S BRAND NEW EP 'SWINGS' IS OUT IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW.
FOR MORE INFO, HEAD HERE.
BY TIANA SPETER