With just five songs, John-Robert showcases his musical evolution with Bailey Barely Knew Me.
The art of storytelling can be intricate, especially in music. Although when captured at its true essence, when it’s stripped of lavish productions and left with just a guitar and earnest vocals, well, that’s what John-Robert EP Bailey Barely Knew Me is all about. While stylistically speaking, the embellished frills add layers to a sound, but this fusing along (with John-Robert’s soulful melodies) makes for an old school meets new kind of vibe. Like early Bob Dylan merged with Sufjan Stevens.
This unique blend pairs well with John-Robert’s haunting vocals, which echo and reverb as if transporting you to a different era. It feels as if you’re listening via a record player, complete with that notable crackling of a needle. His seamless falsetto flows like maple syrup and conveys an emotional depth well beyond his years. Not to mention, this entwined combo makes for unique nuances (and also how Ricky Reed took, who signed Lizzo, a notice of John-Robert’s cover of Chance the Rapper’s Same Drugs).
Albeit, the sonic achievement of Bailey Barely Knew Me is a lovely fricassee of sound. For instance, the EP starts with Adeline, an intense yet delicate ballad with tender and pining vocals. Following that is Urs, a lovesick track soaring vocals. Next up is Pelican, a mid-tempo track with a slick drum beat and twinkling guitar riff. Then there’s Friends, a pensive and reflective heartache track. Lastly, there’s the experimental Love Won’t You Stay; a slow-builder with a spacey finish that hints of a new progression.
Additionally, John-Robert explains, “I wanted to tell my story in chronological order. At its core, I wanted it to be voice and guitar because that’s where everything starts, but then have it break out, add more instruments and sounds to show more of my production chops”.
Ultimately, the EP as a whole is a nice and calming sonic reset during a weird time. In just five songs, John-Robert gives listeners a teaser of the beginning of what’s sure to be a blossoming music career. Listen below or via your preferred streaming site HERE.
