There’s an inspiring DIY aesthetic audible throughout Heistheartist’s new EP Under the Influence of Love (Acoustic Soul)”. Do let the last sentence mislead you, however, into doubting the audio and/or production quality of this collection. Heistheartist’s work bears the hallmarks of painstaking attention without ever diluting the power of the final results. There’s consistent balance between his voice and the instrumental backing. He never plays with a band during the course of the release, elements such as percussion are electronic, but even those contributions reflect his clear sense of groove and exudes warmth. The EP’s six tracks communicate his passion for expressing his faith and its underlying missionary zeal and hearing it emerge as song carries us along in an inspired rush.
“Me and Mr. Jones” covers lofty territory with an unexpected spin. Looking back to Amy Winehouse’s iconic performance presents an assortment of problems but Heistheartist avoids every pitfall. Making the decision to present his cover as a brief solo piano instrumental short circuit any need to endure vocal comparisons. It helps, of course, that the piano playing hits those aforementioned lofty heights. This song doesn’t need vocals to capture your attention. “Boom (Doo Wop Version)” begins the EP in earnest. It isn’t an entirely new song but, instead, a new remix of a prior song.
No matter. His imaginative recasting of the song for the all-important spot of opener on the EP deserves our applause. Heistheartist finds an early groove for the song and the rhythms physically engage listeners without ever sounding like a throwback. It’s also where his “story” for the EP begins in full. He aims for the song, the first of two originals, to convey the first flush of love when possibilities seem endless, the lights are brighter, and you’re walking on air.
“Caught Out There (Acoustic)” digs into Kelis’ songwriting for a deeply affecting gem. He returns to the piano and marries his exquisite playing with a full-throated vocal. His focus shifted from secular songwriting into religious related material some time ago, but he’s achieved something commercially larger with the results. He successfully synthesizes his neo-soul inclinations with his spiritual convictions in such a way that you never feel hectored or condescended to.
It is an important characteristic that continues bearing fruit throughout the collection. Chole X Halle’s “Ungodly Hour (Acoustic)” is another spartan piece instrumentally. He takes up an acoustic guitar for this track, however, and the vocals gain from an additional singing presence exerting their influence during the recording. “God is On My Mind” is the album’s last song with vocals and it’s a atmospheric avowal propelled by an insistent rhythm, but it’s the vocal that leaves a lasting impression. Many will believe it is his most evocative singing performance.
He ends the EP with a final cover. Erykah Badu’s “Out My Mind, Just in Time” supplies Heistheartist with the foundation for a final piano instrumental. It shares many obvious similarities with the EP’s opener and provides a sharp musical counterpoint to the Winehouse cover. Heistheartist’s Under the Influence of Love gives you everything you could musically desire and ample uplift as well.
Jamie Morse