BAkeR is the work of M.J.Baker (vocals/bass/guitars/keyboards) from Auckland, New Zealand. The artist recently released Eternal Now which is a five-song EP. I found the music to be introspective and cerebral but still have some great grooves to hold on to.
The opening track, named “John,” captivates with its intriguing use of synthesized sounds reminiscent of crystalline formations. As the bass and drums join in, faint guitar melodies resonate in the background, evoking a distinct shoegaze ambiance. The vocals enter the mix, impressively delivered and immediately captivating. A noteworthy moment occurs around the two-minute mark when a well-executed breakdown takes center stage. This captivating song left me eagerly anticipating the rest of the album, as its cool and engaging composition had me craving for more.
The title “Happy as Larry Silverstein” piques curiosity with its intriguing nature. While it remains unclear if the character is fictional, the song leans towards an electronic sound rather than a rock foundation in some ways. Arpeggiated synths intertwine with fluctuating drones and distant guitar accents, creating a cinematic and expansive atmosphere that is immersive and compelling. The transition into the verse is skillfully executed, seamlessly guiding listeners into a new sonic landscape that is heightned. The vocals, possessing a warm and inviting quality, harmoniously blend with the arpeggiated synths, enhancing the overall experience of the song. It’s a great song and was a high point for me.
“Stitch in Time” diverges into a rock-oriented sound, evoking shades of the band Wire. The instrumental elements shine brilliantly, featuring an array of inventive guitar melodies that captivate the listener. Particularly around the two-minute mark, the song hits its stride, delivering moments of sheer brilliance. Skillfully incorporated samples further enrich the overall mix, seamlessly blending with the composition. These carefully crafted elements combine to create an engaging and memorable track.
“Star Bugz” felt like a hybrid of the electronic and rock baked influences. There’s some spoken word on this song and I found this song to be very hopeful. I would say there’s also this feeling of joy that comes through on this song. There’s an interesting juxtaposition of emotions.
Last on the list is “Crooked” which is arguably the most ambitious song. The song has the most melancholy in it and is also the most cinematic. There’s a pensive feeling in the air and it is a bit of a slow burn. As the song progresses the guitars surround the stereo field and the other instruments create this ominous and dark energy. The song gets more and more intense and then starts to fade.
What a versatile EP. The production throughout was really well done and songwriting was consistently good. I felt like it was easy to emotionally connect with these songs and thought there was a lot of engaging subject matter throughout these songs. I think there was a lot to explore on Eternal Now and it successfully melds a number of different genres. Hopefully, this is just the beginning for the artist and hope to hear a full length sometime. Two thumbs up.
Heather Savage