Jerad Finck – Criminal EP
YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/jfinck
Although this kind of pop music isn’t really what I generally listen to, there is quite a bit to this to be appreciated. Fans of this sound will probably really enjoy it. It’s actually remarkable that I like it as well as I do.
The title track starts it off, and this kind of pop music with electronic production is certainly popular these days. I don’t hear a lot of modification to the vocals. That’s the kind of thing that usually pervades this type of music. The fact that I can’t hear it means either that it’s done well enough to not be easily heard or Jerad Finck’s voice is really quite good. I’m betting on the second part of that.
Although “Blood In The Water” is no more in my general musical camp, it is a more successful piece. While the vocals don’t have quite the power they did on the opener, the song construction and overall affect makes up for it.
Now, “Pieces of April” is more like it. While it’s still well in the pop corner of the equation, it gets a lot of real rock in the mix. It’s a harder edged number that lands in the vicinity of power ballad. I’m still not a fan of this general type of music and yet this song sold me. That says a lot.
“The Good Life” is very catchy. It’s definitely back out of my comfort zone, but it works well. Although I’m not overly impressed with the early parts of “Fire Proof,” it definitely pulls together on the more rocking stuff later. That makes this one of the better cuts here.
There are some hints of the symphonic inspired 90s sounds on the closing “Take Me With You.” In some ways this is more creative and substantial than some of the rest, too. It’s not my favorite, but it works pretty well and does a nice job of ending this in style.
Once the whole experience has been completed, it’s obvious that there is some good stuff here. I’d have to say that I really am betting on Finck having a strong voice. It really doesn’t seem like they did much in the studio to “fix” it. That’s refreshing these days, and especially in this kind of music.
7.5/10.
Review by Brian White