Old Sea Brigade EP

The never-ending argument of “originality vs. quality” is only likely to keep raging on with albums like Old Sea Brigade’s debut EP. Walking a razor-thin tightrope of influences, these songs repeatedly dare to lean off the edges into pure Bon Iver worship, only to pull a last-minute “just kidding!” and overcorrect into the sultry, somber tones of The National. For some, this may leave Ben Cramer’s work here with all the value of a drink coaster. But for those willing to accept a compromise in originality in exchange for a few competent, mellow-hearted songs, Old Sea Brigade EP warrants a closer look.

Tracks like “Sleep in the Park” exemplify the textbook indie-folk heart-gouger, but textbook isn’t so bad when the song elicits the kind of melancholic, rainy day vibes many acoustic guitar heroes try and fail to convincingly evoke. Cramer’s airy, lilting voice lends credibility, laying down an emotional song despite the familiarity of the sounds at play. These same sullen acoustics lead into a fiery chorus in “Better Days,” as if Cramer is clawing out of some personal mire. It’s a pretty song – one that could have been even better with a unique twist or stamp of character.

And character, more than anything, is the crux of debate for Cramer’s project. One overwrought vocal performance in “Georgia” aside, the criticism of Old Sea Brigade’s first outing is likely to receive is in what it doesn’t do rather than what it does; there is nothing that sets this EP apart. While audiences looking for a sort of revolution in the singer-songwriter genre won’t find it here, they will find Cramer’s moody atmospherics, beautiful melodies, and relatable lyrics forming a solid foundation for the future. Old Sea Brigade banks on this being enough, and despite a few deep tumbles off the wire, it pretty much is.

More Info
Web: oldseabrigade.com
Facebook: @oldseabrigade
Instagram: @oldseabrigade
SoundCloud: @old-sea-brigade
Twitter: @OldSeaBrigade