Dawson Fuss is a reputation you need to bear in mind. This younger Santa Barbara, California native is, in a way, debuting twice together with his new launch Perhaps. It’s his second EP, the primary launched three years in the past when he was sixteen years previous and exhibited appreciable promise. It’s now absolutely realized although, and we are able to name Perhaps a re-launching of kinds because it’s mature and absolutely realized in ways in which his admittedly high-quality first effort fringe of adolescence was not. Few younger musicians/songwriters can boast they’re answerable for such a well-developed and forward-looking launch as Fuss can with this five-song sophomore outing. 

The union of unquestionable songwriting 101 fundamentals with a improbable modern sound units “Rising Pains” instantly aside. A more in-depth examination of the track reveals much more. Fuss engages his lyrical topic with a spotlight that few, newcomers and skilled songwriters alike, can conjure. He writes about private progress and the uncertainties it brings with aplomb that cuts by way of cliché and touches one thing deep inside listeners. 

Much less gifted songwriters would have turned the second track “Life Sucks” right into a heavy-handed or gimmicky try at comedy. In Fuss’ palms, nonetheless, the track cuts by way of the commonplace and makes a deeper impression. It depends on large beats, synthesizer contributions, and a free-ranging vocal melody that holds the listener’s consideration from the start by way of the top. He by no means rests lengthy on one specific line of assault and helps diversify the track’s message for the viewers.

The title track is the EP’s showcase quantity. “Perhaps” unfolds as a affected person and deeply felt ballad that finds Fuss inviting his listeners to really feel their method together with him as he makes an attempt to achieve a bigger understanding of his life’s path. You are feeling as if this track is therapeutic, with out query, and that he completed it feeling like he understood extra about himself than he did earlier than starting the observe. The depth of its maturity, each lyrically and musically, is bracing. 

The EP’s remaining two songs deal with interpersonal relationships. The frustrations seething all through “Oblivious” are smoothed over for viewers consumption because of the successful vocal and guitar melodies. His unabashed embrace of guitar at numerous factors throughout the EP speaks to the affect of older music on his work; he undoubtedly doesn’t contemplate the instrument to be passe. “Say the Phrases” is essentially the most intimate second on the EP. Ending Perhaps with an acoustic ballad offers us with a gentler remaining curtain than most of the earlier songs would have, and the emotional currents powering this observe run as deep as ever. 

It’s a robust launch that I gained’t quickly neglect. Dawson Fuss is, in some ways, already a whole expertise, and I’m enthralled with the place he can take his items from right here. One factor, if nothing else, is definite – he’ll at all times be writing and enjoying music, for himself if nobody else. He’s a school scholar now enrolled within the College of Miami’s famed Frost College of Music, however the trajectory of his life is fastened. The music world is a greater place due to it. 

Mindy McCall