Reviewed by Andy Shaw

Based in Boise, Idaho, Sef Idle has been active in the Christian hardcore punk scene for a number of years, best known as the lead singer and guitarist in False Idle. He has maintained an acoustic side project since 2013, when he released the EP 'Start Again' through Thumper Punk Records. 'Someday, Today' is a five-track acoustic EP and this time Sef has chosen the DIY approach in self-releasing the record. The first three tracks have a laid back folk feel to them. Opener "I Don't Remember" sticks to just acoustic guitar and voice with close layered harmonies adding depth. "Where I Became Me" is a reflection on growing up and the lyrics work well against the simple piano and string arrangement. The final two tracks pick up the pace a bit and closer "Start Today" is the closest to punk you can get with an acoustic guitar with the rhythm playing a much bigger part and even the addition of a tambourine beat to drive it on. The vocals are strong and convey the emotion of the lyrics sounding almost strained at times, pushing the limits but never jarring on the ears. It seems to be the done thing for a hardcore punk singer to find a different creative outlet to experiment with and often they go on to have great success with the likes of Frank Turner (former Million Dead singer) and City & Colour (Dallas Green of Alexisonfire). I would not put Sef Idle on that level based on what he has put out so far but there are definitely signs of his potential as a songwriter with plenty of passion and an ability to filter the angst of punk through an acoustic folk lens.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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