Review by Shannon Shumaker
Stefan Alexander’s latest EP, Cry Again might be short, but it’s filled to the brim with catchy as hell melodies, stunning vocal work and intimate, vulnerable lyricism. Each of the four songs on the EP touches on an entirely different subject, but all feel very connected by dreamy, poppy instrumentals and Stefan Alexander’s spectacular vocal work.
Opening track, “Photograph,” touches on the desire to connect and the disconnect that comes from dating apps. Delivered with dreamy instrumentals, “Photograph” is a perfect representation of the unrealistic expectations that dating apps create and the fallout. Flowing perfectly from “Photograph” is “Up And Away,” which motivates listeners to get involved politically.
Easily the two strongest songs on Cry Again bring the EP to a close. The title track, “Cry Again” is a surprisingly empowering song, as Alexander struggles with and succeeds in becoming more in touch with his emotions. The song encourages listeners to embrace sensitivity and let their emotions show in lines like, “If you let your tears run free / You could be royalty.” Then there’s “Signs”, which ties in well with the EP’s first song and touches on the struggle to connect with someone in a fast-paced dating culture.
The only downside on Cry Again is in its length. The four songs that make up the EP are incredibly vulnerable and personal, which quickly makes you feel intimately connected with Stefan Alexander, but just as quick as he’s there, he’s gone. Despite its length, though, the EP does a fantastic job of solidifying Stefan Alexander’s sound and narrative, leaving plenty of room for him to branch out and flourish with future releases.
LISTEN TO: “Cry Again”
STAY CONNECTED WITH STEFAN ALEXANDER: https://www.facebook.com/stefanalxndr/