Passing by EP

For this, his second of two EP releases, Patrick McKeown utilises the violin and tenor sax in addition to the usual band line-up of guitar, bass, drums and vocals, which helps to create a greater depth and melodic density than can be heard on the earlier DCA EP. Scene In The Park, the first of three tracks, blends the middle-eastern with rock and folk resulting in a provocative and energetic song that is as demanding as it is enthralling. The six and a half minute song is based on a poem written by McKeown whilst in NYC's Central Park, which, reflective in nature, brings another emotive yet intellectually intriguing element to this tune making it a truly compelling opening song. The second track Vanishing Magician is in some ways more musically complex than Scene In The Park, yet it has a certain ease and elegance to it - especially the choruses. Perhaps also the quirkiest of the three tracks, this song again blends a variety of styles including folk and jazz, whilst still ultimately sounding like an acoustic rock track. The final chorus is where this song really comes together releasing a Buckley-esque tidal wave of emotion that makes it difficult for the listener to be unmoved. The far shorter and more musically simplistic of the three tracks on this EP, entitled Scathing Song, is a solo performance by McKeown that creates a delicate intimacy between the music and the listener. The softer airy tones produced with such melancholic beauty demonstrate McKeown's ability to reach out to the listener and drag them into his world leaving them wanting to hear much more from this artist.