Hailing from Hartford, Connecticut, Jon Boutin is singer/songwriter who recently released a five-song EP entitled The Trailhead. Boutin has been playing guitar since the young age of twelve and The Trailhead is the first effort at self-production.
The recording quality is about what you would expect from minimal consumer gear. You can hear this in the rickety guitar tone and lack of warmth you usually get with a professional recording. That being said some of his talent shines through. At the center of the songs are exceptional guitar performances and Boutin’s vocals. As I took in the songs I was most reminded of the band Third Eye Blind if they didn’t have a drummer. Take for instance the opener “Missing String.” Something about the vocal delivery was reminiscent of Third Eye Blind. The guitar work is undeniable. I really enjoyed some of the lead guitar work and picking he pulls off in this song. When it comes to the guitar you can also hear a bit of Dave Matthews in there. Boutin seems a little too young to have such nihilistic thoughts on “Fly.” He sings, “My whole life has been one big act of treason / Everything I love is only temporarily pleasing / No reason to be the way that I am / My mother raised me right so I don't understand.” At its core this is a pop song that shares more with a band like Third Eye Blind. The highlight may very well be “Shadow.” It has a similar style to the previous songs but also happens to be extremely catchy with a memorable hook. As the EP comes to a close Boutin shows a more emotionally resonant, melancholy side with “Grey Skies.” “The Trail” is a seven-plus-minute song that contains some of his most original sounding guitar patterns. While Boutin isn’t doing anything that hasn't been done before he has some talent. I think a little more refinement of his own style would be advantageous but he does build a decent foundation.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
March 2024
|