Langhorne Slim - Engine EP

There are instances in life when circumstances or the actions of other people prove why certain phrases, often designated as clichés, have survived the passing of time. Langhorne Slim’s Engine not only gives credibility to the person who originally exhorted a performer to “leave them wanting more” but takes that idea to a whole new level. This four-song EP tops out at just over 11 minutes yet the quality of each track makes the promise of Slim’s next full-length (to be released sometime this year) a wonderfully exciting proposition. “English Tea” opens the record with a style just as quaint and pleasing as its namesake beverage. Set against a backdrop of acoustic guitar and violin, Slim sings praise for a woman, telling her “you take on mythical forms and you never seem to get bored.” Next is “Restless” which employs finger-picked guitars and shuffling snares to a create a pastoral vibe as Slim ironically and descriptively relates a sense of yearning: “I felt restless and I felt soft/I didn’t know anymore who I was ripping off/I packed a picnic lacking seriously on food/I had more wine than I knew what with to do….I just don’t know what it is to be free.” “Honey Pie” ratchets up both tempo and volume taking the folk textures of the previous songs to a chaotic, bluesy place where juicy organs and gritty vocals reign supreme. The album closes with “Sweet Olive Tree” which marries gentle guitars with stark lyrics that detail the many sides of love. Engine will definitely appeal to those who enjoy the rustic folk of Iron and Wine or the spirited angst of Bright Eyes. This brief yet powerful clinic on songwriting should even catch the attention of those without organic roots music on their radar. While I’m sure Langhorne Slim will deliver on the promise of an exciting new album, don’t wait that long. Check out Engine and give your anticipation time to grow. [www.langhorneslim.com]