Stanisland Magazine

An exciting new EP from the London-based singer-songwriter is full of vibrant music and ballads of sadness.

It’s not often we can genuinely bop our heads in sincerity with a jolliness formed of true enjoyment. Contemporary music oftentimes feels forced and influenced by a pressure of conformism, rather than be inspired. Jack Howard is the former, having us shake the branch of intrigue, and we pressed play on his latest EP, ‘All Things That Came Before.’

Stream the EP online

New music is a showcase in creative depth

The curtain draws with ‘Another Day,’ a song enveloped in fluidity with an infectious melody partnered with a catchy chorus. It is perfect for radio, bringing to mind topics that many will understand. This leads into ‘Circles,’ where Howard addresses his frustrations of going round in, well, you guessed it.

‘Just a Kid’ picks up the tempo, as it sharply diverges from the first two tracks. It reflects on our upbringing, pondering how life seemed easier before we reached adulthood.

‘Falling’ is powered by raw guitar riffs and pivoting instrumentals that probe the underlying psychology of loss. ‘Last Dance’ discloses Howard’s cavernous frailty as he explores his own depths through alternating vocalisations that are fluent in melancholy.

Verdict

Overall, his music broods an intentional shift away from the popular mainframe of recent catalogues available to elsewhere. It exudes the extent of originality that artists can still work with, without having to piggyback on trends in exchange for quick returns. This release is a testament to good things come to those who wait.