Jamie Beau - Shedding Skin

Jamie Beau 

Shedding Skin
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Ethan Skeleton

One guitar is all you need. At least that’s all Jamie Beau needs to get this album off and running. It’s a concise and focused work that will surely blossom into longer form. The EP Shedding Skin boasts songs that pull at the heart and excite the mind. What’s most impressive is that there are even some radio ready sing-alongs in the mix.

Hats off to “The Mill.” Perfect understanding of arrangement, lovely acoustic playing and body taps. The vocals command and deliver with tasteful growl. And just wait for those gang vocal reiterations in the second verse and especially at the end. The way Beau literates “forever” is nothing short of awesome. I’m reminded a little of “Where The Streets Have No Name” by the phrasing and progression implications. What we have here is a talented singer and craftsman of sound. Expect to hear more from this gentleman. And side note; take a look at the video for “The Mill” on YouTube. It’ll surprise you, make you laugh, and show you a side of Beau you might not expect.

“All Late” swims slow and drips of slow heartache while “Piece By Piece” carries more weight acoustically and really hits the chorus with intention. "All Late" avoids typical cliches as he sings  "Catherine Wheel, what did you steal? You broke a bridge for your appeal? You blamed me" . The song goes into some inventive territory with vocal harmonies. Although the song is under three minutes he covers a lot of ground.

“Shame I Met You” is vocally driven with a lot of meaning behind the lyrics. Beau sings "If I knew, what I know, if I knew, what I know I would’ve left so long ago; I would’ve left so long ago". It’s a nice close to a well-made album.

Beau is a rising star and this EP will surely stand to credit his big break. Look for him out on tour coming to a stage near you. But until then, sit back and let his finger style guitar and powerful voice take you where you want to go.

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