Jason Kerrison- JKEP2 (EP, 2016)
Written by Logan Ellis.
Members: - Jason Kerrison (Solo Producer)
It is becoming more and more apparent that Jason Kerrison does indeed have staying power within the NZ music scene. After his success with Opshop and his previous solo release, JKEP1, he has decided to go a slightly different route to what we’re used to - as his description states it, “ A singer/songwriter EP based on the Sacred Geometry of the Phi Ratio and recorded at 432 Hz.“
The Phi Ratio, you may ask? I personally am not familiar with it, but it’s certainly a little bit intriguing, so I think that I’ll start this off with the intro track, “Blood”... and to be honest, it’s not as “out-there” as I was expecting. At 30 seconds long, it’s incredibly succinct, so I’m gathering that the ratio has something to do with the length of each track, perhaps? But airy atmos production value, pretty guitar and pads, and Kerrison’s trademark pipes mark a happy little segue into what appears to be a pretty relaxing journey.
“Down No More”, #2, is a much brighter, and boppier sort of ditty. It’s got a really jazzy sort of chord progression, and he showcases his command of his wide tonal range through his soaring highs in the background overdubs.Again, it’s short - how short, I’m not sure (there’s no indication of length for the tracks that aren’t the first or last, which incidentally is apparently 9 minutes long) but it’s short enough to enjoy it and continue to wish for more.
Finally, “Might Be All We Need” reminds me a little more of the traditional Opshop tone. it’s in a major key, with some major chords and some major slide guitar. It’s really relaxing, akin to the two former pieces that I’ve mentioned, and I’m pleasantly surprised with how well these short-form tracks are performed and composed. I think I’ll leave it there though with these three songs - you can have a listen to the whole of this 7-track EP in your leisure.
Kerrison has been kind enough to allow people to pay a minimum of 50 cents for his effort. I personally feel like it’s worth more than that. How much more? That’s thoroughly subjective, of course; but it’s a sweet little excursion that simultaneously manages to avoid the inclusion of avant-garde elements that may dissuade his loyal followers, and still keeps it real and unique.
Please remember to support NZ Music, especially your local artists.
~S.
Links for Jason Kerrison: - https://www.musicglue.com/jason-kerrison/ - https://www.facebook.com/jasonkerrisonmusic/ - https://twitter.com/JasonKerrison - https://www.reverbnation.com/jasonkerrison