EP Review: Abandon Adolescence

Solomon Crook a young singer-songwriter from the Coromandel (now based in Wellington) has just released a six track EP called Abandon Adolescence. Preceding this by a few weeks was the first single off the EP titled Love Juice a lively and catchy song about love without a heart… “please don’t go falling in love with me, don’t go drinking the love juice”.

There is a heartfelt, honest quality to Solomon’s song writing. Tinged with a touch of angst and loaded with meaning. He writes most of his music from his childhood home on the beautiful Coromandel, hidden away from distractions. The result of this seclusion is six tracks in which he has fully immersed himself into his music and produced with the help of Jesse Austin-Stewart (Parc Sun), a captivating, soulful and sexy EP.

His rich, smooth classical sounding vocals have a tinge of Josh Groban to them, which belies his mere 20 years on this planet. There was a definite maturity to his sound and writing style. Sophisticated guitar playing accompanies these vocals alongside some skilful instrumentals from his newly formed band.

Starting without a heart and ending in Mahogany Feat. Connor Moore this EP flows gracefully and effortlessly from one track to another. Each song has a bluesy/folk/soul feel to it. The standout for me was the final track featuring the captivating vocals of Connor Moore, a talented acoustic singer-songwriter from Wanaka. This is a beautiful marriage between the two voices.

I would also like to mention the sensual track number five, Smokey Lips. Solomon knows how to combine those honey tones with elegant sultry lyrics.

My cup runneth over with fabulously talented Kiwi musicians at the moment, and Solomon Crook is no exception.

★★★★★ (5 stars)

_{Review written by Corinne Rutherford}