“Muse came back,” Texas-based Wes Cunningham says, and with that he’s created the “handmade, genuine, joyful” EP lighten up.
It may be handmade, but Cunningham--formerly signed to a big label--clearly knows his way around a studio. The opener “lighten up” starts as an acoustic-guitar/vocal duet; an evanescent piano lick hints at things to come as the track builds, adding vocal stacks and a full band to support a lovely pop tune. All five of the EP’s tracks show his skills as a recording artist with varied instrumentation using all available aural space. There’s a focus on strong vocal melodies throughout the EP. These are the types of songs that could be recorded by other artists, and their quality would still shine. In his own breakfast with a clown interpretations, Cunningham shows his skill as an arranger. Each cut has its own push-and-pull dynamics, making for interesting listens, and the backing tracks are constructed thoughtfully. Be sure to check out how the rhythm motif in “now we’re making music again” is passed among the instruments, for instance. Lyrically, Cunningham has a subtle sense of humor. “arkansas!” purposefully starts like a low-rent travelogue (“Have you ever been? / It’s a beautiful place / To enjoy a hike / Or to rent a bike.” He then plants the tongue more fully in cheek with an examination of some of the place’s residents. Similarly, “breakfast with a clown” could be an old Willie Nelson tune with its acoustic-guitar base and languorous delivery. breakfast with a clown is filled with winners. Strong melodies are interwoven through bits of pop, country and rock styles into a tasty treat. Welcome back, Wes Cunningham, and we hope your muse sticks around!
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