Wake Up And Check Out 5 A.M.
Jul 17 '04 (Updated Feb 18 '08)
The Bottom Line Great new EP from a talented Vermont artist
Burlington's award-winning folk-rocker Lyle King has followed up his much-praised debut Left Standing with something shorter but still just as sweet. 5 A.M., a six-song EP, has King continuing to show his prowess for making catchy, emotional music.
King's approach to 5 A.M. is simpler and more stripped-down than that of his previous album Left Standing. Aside from one contribution from Joe Tymecki, this EP is just King and his acoustic guitar. The absence of guest performers and extra instruments is barely noticeable, as King's strumming is strong enough to carry every track.
5 A.M. opens with Leap of Faith, a peppy call to those who have trouble dealing with change ("Sometimes what's comfortable just isn't right"). Judging by the rest of the EP, it seems that King directs Leap of Faith as much to himself as he does his listeners. He passionately conveys his painful struggles with change, pouring emotion into every account of lost love. Living With Her Ghost's upbeat style is offset by heartbreaking lyrics: "Maybe I'm just afraid I'll never find someone else who thinks I'm worth their time." Similarly, the fast-paced Undertow describes the inability to let go of "the one who stalks you in your dreams."
Those three tracks may be lively, but the mellowness of the album's remaining half allows even more emotion to show through. The melancholy Connecticut has the young songwriter racing to see a love interest before she is forgotten. Glass Walls eases us out with a somber tale of frustration. Almost Fell In Love, another of the softer numbers, has a catchy guitar riff, but overall the song doesn't quite make the impact it should. Maybe it's the abrupt ending or the fact that the guitar overshadows the vocals in all but the bridge. It's too bad that this one could get overlooked because it really is a decent track.
It's easy to write off an EP as little more than a good starting point for new fans or a way to temporarily satisfy the diehards awaiting the next full-length. King, however, takes 5 A.M. beyond those notions, giving us a strong, cohesive album that displays his raw talent. King once again proves that one guy with a guitar can sometimes say much more than any band can.
Also from Lyle King:
Left Standing
website: www.lyleking.com
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