Emily Hearn
Promises
(self-released)
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Videos by American Songwriter
This Athens, GA based pop, singer/songwriting thrush follows last year’s chirpy full length debut with a short but enjoyable five song EP. What she lacks in a distinctive voice or approach to these love oriented (losing it, finding it, encouraging it, reigniting it) ditties, she makes up with sheer enthusiasm. The uncluttered arrangements ebb and flow with the melodies, a distinct and welcome change from the often overthought production of 2012’s Red Balloon album.
The dialed down percussion, especially on the opening “Gotta Have Him” brings attention to these amiable songs. There is a low key bounce and a sunshiny Colbie Caillat vibe running through the tunes which are a decent indication of Hearn’s modest yet enjoyable talents. Even at its heaviest such as on the cautionistic “Cutting Ties,” this feather light set exudes an optimism that’s easy to appreciate, and at about 17 minutes, it’s just long enough.
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