STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 173278-27364 LABEL: Essential FORMAT: CD EP ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
The fact that four out of its six tracks have already achieved in excess of four million streams says it all in terms of the quality found on this eponymous EP from North Carolina-based singer/songwriter Branan Murphy. Classing his music as "conscious pop", Murphy candidly and fluently sings about his struggles and failings with the likes of "All The Wrong Things" (a duet with The Voice finalist Koryn Hawthorne) tackling the issue of temptation whilst the punchy "Talk About It" - complete with a killer bass line - deals with aspects of a difficult relationship. Presumably to keep things as mainstream friendly as possible, references to faith are kept fairly non-specific with the exception of the simply sublime and expertly pitched evangelism song "My Life" although believing listeners will know the deeper meaning of the "when did you stop being enough for me" hook in the opener "Enough". Underpinning it all, Murphy has a perfect pop voice that breathes life into each track whilst the R&B-infused musical backdrop with all its twists, turns and surprises is a joy to behold. A collaboration between Murphy, American rapper Canon and award-winning producer JuiceBangers on the final track "Top Of The World" seals the deal on this absolute gem of an EP.
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