New Jersey singer-songwriter Evan Kreutzberg (recording as Evan Kreutz) has just released four new singles: “A Place They Call There”, “Same Kind of Heartache”, “Holes (Try Being Me)” and “Good Vibrations.” Kreutz began performing musically from a very early age with his family band at places like Six Flags and The Stone Pony, then toured at 14 as a social media star and influencer.
His current music has a sound that is described as “unique and eccentric, combining Harry Styles with The Killers’ alternative rock and the Weekend’s spacious R & B energy.” Let’s start with “A Place They Call There" which Kreutz calls “my ode to everyone stuck in the 9-to-5 rut, dreaming of something bigger. It's a cheeky nod to the daily grind and that ever-elusive place called success.” It has a bright, crisp sound, with funky guitars, gleaming keys and a solid beat. Kreutz’s voice sounds like the best of the singer-rappers (I thought of Prince, but that’s how old I am) though he’s clearly had a little help from the mixing board. The vocal melodies are flawless and the various overdubs play harmonic footsie with each other throughout. Kreutz says “Same Kind of Heartache” is his debut release of 2024 and is his modern take on a Beatles love song (psychedelic era). “The track delves into my emotions of nostalgia, regret, and reflection surrounding a past relationship, and what better time to do this than the season of crippling loneliness: that’s right, the college basketball season!” Kreutz this time chooses a slow waltz beat and an echo’d guitar as a backdrop for his soulful lead vocal, which sounds much less processed and real than the first track. I didn’t notice the Beatles connection until the acoustic piano and weeping Harrison-like lead guitar joined in. The choruses have more of those sweet harmony vocals I’m starting to expect. “Holes (Try Being Me)” is a snapshot of a “rough patch” in Kreutz’s life. “It's my personal journey of growing up and learning from my screw-ups. Honestly, I'm feeling a mix of nerves and excitement about sharing it.” This one is very much alternative and has elements of Weezer or the BareNaked Ladies. I can’t shake the feeling this was a Hit song and I’m just not remembering, but it’s dynamic and catchy as hell. The studio sheen Kreutz has already put in play shines even brighter here with the rock guitars and tumbling drums. Finally we have “Good Vibrations,” but what we do NOT have is a cover of the Brian Wilson classic, which is a pretty ballsy thing to name your track! For this song Kreutz returns to his hip hop sound and more complex production style. The electronic beat is right up front, backing a ghostly, staccato synth pattern and Kreutz’s multifaceted vocal overdubs. Kreutz says this one is “…a wild ride through romance, chasing those feel-good vibes in a relationship. With a backdrop of ocean scenes and moonlit nights, it's all about the highs and lows of love.” Based on these four tracks, I can’t believe Kreutz isn’t a star already, but that can’t be far behind. Awesome!
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