EP Review: Eroded

There is something delightfully soothing yet sea-stormy about Adventure It Seems Is Easy from Jayson Norris’ new EP Eroded. I found myself listening to this as “cool down” music at the gym. Pushing that pain barrier while stretching, a little harder and then finding bliss in the release of tension.

My introduction to Jayson Norris, has been pleasant indeed. He has a vibe about him that allows me to float away from myself for a moment, to be somewhere peaceful. Someone Else follows on with a reminiscent sense of clarity. It’s almost like he may always be fighting a storm hoping to find the calm. I don’t know what the essence of the songs are but for me, there is a sense of dark that reminds me of Chris Isaak. This perception may be different for others based on where you are in your life.

“You could keep it all, keep it all to yourself or you could give it all to someone else… someone else”. I have no idea why, but this line is burned in my mind every time I listen to Eroded. The chord progressions draw me in. Someone Else is my favourite song, to be honest.

Third song in, and you’re swept into this memorable Summer festival country feel, with a song called Sunshine. What I love the most is Jayson’s open, unapologetic musical space, as a songwriter. The atmospheric tones of Eroded and where each individual song takes you, is unique and not always expected. He IS a songwriter with an amazing voice to carry his story. I feel like Jayson writes a variety of genres based on a moment in time with no enforced genre walls.

Yearn has a piano piece at the start, and there is something so beautifully simple about that piece. From there, it drives into a solid band feel that leaves me oddly wishing for them to unexpectedly break into a Rumba. They don’t, but the feel recorded is great. This song drives beautifully, I like the harmonies and the guitar presence.

With the final song, Jayson takes us back to the reminder that he comes from Aotearoa, with roots reggae song, Much Love.

I feel he’s like me in a sense. His musical love is diverse and he doesn’t feel like he must tie himself down to just one flavour. All the lollipops are awesome people, not just the Coca-Cola ones!

Acoustic rock with a Floyd switch up, is what my mind draws on. Yet there are a few delicious changes to get that unexpected “vibey” factor. I love the flow of Eroded, Jayson, so good luck with this release.

Jayson’s website states that Eroded was due out in April 2016, however it looks like the release date has been changed to the 17th of October. This is by no means a negative thing, because the EP sounds stunning and it’s a clear indication that good things take time. The official release date is only a few weeks away, so if you like easy listening sounds I’d recommend that you go and buy it. Co-produced by Jayson and Paul Matthews from I Am Giant, I’m sure this EP will take pride of place on many playlists.