Review by Shannon Shumaker
5j Barrow’s newest EP, The Journey, Vol. 1 is the start of something truly beautiful. Although it is only five songs in length, the EP weaves a stunning story of infatuation, love and even a little bit of heartbreak for listeners while providing them with a wide variety of sounds.
Opening track, “Seagreen Dress” is a sweet little folky love song, perfect to listen to on fall afternoons and impossible not to fall in love with. Lyrically, “Seagreen Dress” is intimate and personal in lines like, “Oh love, I have been waiting for you all my life,” and vocally, it features some stunning harmonies that will continue to drive the EP for the four songs that follow.
Where “Seagreen Dress” is more of an emotional ballad, “On The Edge Of My Seat” is a high energy, fast paced track about unpredictable love. With a sound that leans more toward The Format, “On The Edge Of My Seat” contrasts heavily with the following folk track, “A New Begin.” Carried by soft instrumentals, big group vocals, and sweeping metaphors, this song really takes the theme of a journey from the EP’s title and runs with it.
Following “A New Begin” is the dramatic “Sarah Brown,” which gives the EP a bit of darkness and even more diversity soncially. “Sarah Brown” sticks out not only because of its lyrical content, which is driven by strong storytelling but also because of its more intense, hard hitting sound. Then, bringing the EP to a powerful close is “Lullaby,” which gives listeners one last massive crescendo before coming to a beautiful end.
The Journey, Vol. 1 definitely leaves you hanging, but in the best way possible. With high hopes for the second half of this journey, the EP will take you on an emotional roller coaster, exploring the highs and lows of love with beautiful lyricism, timeless songwriting and vivid storytelling.
LISTEN TO: “Seagreen Dress”
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