Sykamore, Through the Static EP Review
Sykamore is back, baby. And we’re here for everything she’s got to share on her new EP, Through the Static.
The four-song release comes as the follow-up to her 2022 full-length album, Pinto – and does a lovely job of adding to Sykamore’s discography and library of songs.
Our only major quibble, as always, is that we wish there was more. At 13 minutes, Through the Static goes by too quickly. Which has had me reaching for a restart on more than one occasion.
Starting with Emotional, each of the four songs on this new EP was written or co-written by Sykamore. And in a pre-release quote she said, ”These four tracks illustrate the emotional journey of opening your heart and the many ups and downs that can entail – two songs explore the beginning of love, and two songs recount the experience of love coming to an end.”
Love stories and that journey (ups and downs included) are universal, but the ability of a songwriter and singer to connect a personal experience to a listener so they can feel seen, that’s the magic.
In this collection, Highway Towns does it best for me.
The imagery of small, drive-thru towns on the side of a highway, juxtaposed with a relationship that starts and stops and begins and ends just as quickly, is positioned perfectly. It’s the “you can always count on a Comfort Inn, that you’ll never find comfort in” that really seals the deal. It’s the resignation that this isn’t more or better. It’s the realization that this is what it is when Sykamore sings, “I guess I could turn around, but what good that do? Cause we know these highway towns were just built for passing through” that hits the nail on the head.
This is what we come for.
I also want to take a quick moment for More Where That Came From because holy smokes it caught me off-guard the first time it came on.
I wasn’t ready for the production and sound. And then I got into it. And then I listened to it again and got the lyrics and the new love, the happiness that’s here. This is, the we’ve gotta give this a shot and see where it goes, song. This is hope and meet-cutes and first kisses after a night out and unexpected connection. It’s lovely.
Like I said earlier, at less than 15 minutes, Through the Static goes by too quickly. But, if you’re in the mood to keep listening, I hope your algorithm gives you Alee, MacKenzie Porter and Kacey Musgraves like mine does. And, with Ms Musgraves’ name out here now, I’d be remiss not to mention that it’s her that I think of as a comp when I listen to this EP. If you’re a fan, this new music from Sykamore should be right up your alley.
Now, it’s time for you to do the listening. Hit play on the steam, take the 13 minutes to hear Emotional, Highway Towns, More Where That Came From, and Perfect Storm, and then share it with a friend you know will love it.
Enjoy!
Sykamore, Through the Static Tracklist
1. Emotional
2. Highway Towns
3. More Where What Came From
4. Perfect Storm
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