micah visser - the moon in a jar

Micah Visser

The Moon In A Jar
self-released; 2013

3.6 out of 5

By Ethan Skeleton

Micah Visser’s multi-instrument talents have brought him to create his second EP The Moon in a Jar. Visser is a young musician with influences from classical music and this album showcases his amazing and varied musical abilities. Listeners will enjoy his lyrical songwriting and ability to play highly regarded instruments like the piano, violin and guitar.

The first two songs on the EP somewhat lead into each other; the opening track “First Snowfall (Part 1) begins with a somewhat eerie vocal sample that is then forgotten through the soothing sounds of a violin. Next, the lyrics jump right in and the soft rhythms of the song begin. The lyrics, “if I’m not first, I must be last” are introduced and then immediately carry on into the next song. “First Snowfall (Part 2) elaborates a bit more on the situation at hand, “I was talking to her slowly when my feelings came back to life… I’ve been waiting for this day.” As the song goes on, the melody and rhythms become a bit infectious and the smooth piano keeps the song moving so sweetly along.

“Poems” is a slow moving track yet its melody is anchored by deep, welling currents. The lyrics show a literal experience of a poem; “He still wrote the poems for her. But his intentions were too pure… why's it always have to be the good ones that go wild?” There is a calmness within the lyrics that is at times highlighted by a dramatic guitar riff that has multiple layers; there even seems to be some banjo playing in the background. The piece gains more enthusiasm as the song moves along and at each repetition of the chorus there is more and more passion each time.  

After listening, it can be said that Visser shows his classically trained music skills in The Moon in a Jar as well as his singing and lyrical composing capabilities. This entire album is so very smooth and just washes over the listener like a soft breeze that carries fresh leaves and small fragrant flowers. This small batch of songs is well produced and has been given the love and care necessary to make each song shine bright and true. This is a great listening album from a dynamic young solo-musician.

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