Chris Short - Somewhere (EP)
Irish singer-songwriter Chris Short started singing on the open mic scene in Dublin in 2017 and he’s gone from strength to strength ever since. He has previously received support form the likes of RTÉ Radio, IMRO and The Vinyl District to name a few. Chris has worked closely in the studio with Beardfire Music - the label behind the likes of RUNAH, Martin McDonnell, KTG, Zoe Clarke, Kayli Sousa, Lauran Beth, and who’s development work includes Patricia Lalor and William Franklyn Miller. His debut EP Somewhere was produced by David Virgin, Rohan Healy and Al Quiff at Beardfire Studio, Dublin - a father and sons production team who, in their collective six decades of musical experience, have worked with the likes of Nick Cave, INXS, Leslie Dowdall (In TuaNua), Mary Black, The Cruel Sea, Cat Power, Billy Bragg and Lloyd Cole, to name but a few.
Opening with the powerfully intimate single Consumed, the EP immediately draws you in with its textured blend of intricate indie-folk. Flint & Steel, featuring stunning guest vocals from SJ Talbot, oozes with delicacy as cascading folk sensibilities and twinkling shimmers of electronica are able to soar meticulously throughout. Fans of the likes of Foy Vance and Nick Mulvey will feel at home here. The EP also features a remix of lead single Higher, showcasing Chris’ unique ability to defy and experiment with genre.
Talking about the EP, Chris explains,"this EP has been in development and execution for about a year now. It's been an amazing experience, writing the songs, honing the songs, and finally recording them. The EP itself gets its name from the old saying ‘You have to start somewhere’, and this being my first EP or collection of my own original songs, this is my ‘Somewhere’, I hope it's just the start.”
Higher sets the lyrical tone for this collection of songs. Simple arrangement dominated by the sparkling acoustic guitar suits Short's vocal, gives him space to show his vocal range. The lyrics are honest, confessing his feelings for the object of his desire. There is heartwarming sincerity in the lines "i know it's early but it's clear to see you are the better half of me"
Consumed continues in the theme of love, viewing it from a different angle this time, daydreaming about something that could have been. The drums and addictive guitar backing the warm vocal enchants the ears and draws the listener deep into not only the story of the song but its emotional side.
Flint & Steel, a collaboration with SJ Talbot, shows Short's songwriting abilities, expressing an attraction between two people without diving too much into the emotions.
"love without love who's to say it's not love"
Somebody is an melodic experiment but doesn't interfere with the rest of the songs. Fits right in. Listening to this spreads a warm feeling, especially from the mid song onwards when the dynamic picks up and then slows down again, Chris Short is reassuring us that "everything's gonna be allright"
The remix of the lead single Higher features some surprising arrangements, the mix of electronica fits well in the song and compliments Shorts'vocal tone.