Artist Review: Side Saddle, The Postcard
Artist: Side Saddle
EP: The Postcard
Genre: Folk / Acoustic Pop
RIYL: The Head And The Heart, Ben Gibbard, Fleet Foxes, Paul Simon
Side Saddle is Ian McGuinness, who leads a double life as an A&R consultant for Atlantic Records by day and songwriter/folk-pop indie artist at night. One could easily argue that McGuinness has an upper hand on other indies looking to crack into a wider audience and gain notoriety for their work simply by way of connection; but the truth is that the material presented on the debut solo project The Postcard would warrant the coverage regardless. And in fact, the decision to include Side Saddle in this month’s reviews were based solely on the music before learning of McGuinness’ industry position.
So what’s the fuss about? The Postcard is a four-song wonder that capitalizes on McGuinness’ ability to write around a hook with a playful sense of melody with crisp and catchy chords. There is an easy urgency marked with a warm and wistful nostalgia that pervades every second of this record.
Opening track “When It’s All Done” bears the mark of classic Simon & Garfunkel, a sweet and very short taste of what’s to come sliding immediately into the raucous “Reverie.” Where the opener whets the appetite, “Reverie” dives straight into the heart of McGuinness‘ strongsuit: smart lyrics, clever use of chord progression and super clean vocals. This is the type of song you want to listen to over and over again; that is, until you allow yourself to move on to the wonderful “Don’t Wait For Him.” Yet another poppy gem that capitalizes on crafty lyrics, well-timed harmonies and an insanely catchy beat. “On The Road in a Storm” is so easy on the ears, and delivers an enchanting vocal that glides smoothly on top of delicate guitar work that shows skill and restraint.
There’s an earnest quality to both McGuinness’ vocal performance and the lyrical content of this record. The songs presented on The Postcard are spirited and assured, laced with a sort of fearless confidence that shimmers in the form of addictive melodies, perceptively clever lyrics and a fresh-sounding familiarity. McGuinness’ songwriting style comes across as pure and simple, but there are layers that continue to reveal themselves with each listen. So sit down, press play, and peel them back.
Side Saddle on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisissidesaddle
(This originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_side_saddle_the_postcard)
EP: The Postcard
Genre: Folk / Acoustic Pop
RIYL: The Head And The Heart, Ben Gibbard, Fleet Foxes, Paul Simon
Side Saddle is Ian McGuinness, who leads a double life as an A&R consultant for Atlantic Records by day and songwriter/folk-pop indie artist at night. One could easily argue that McGuinness has an upper hand on other indies looking to crack into a wider audience and gain notoriety for their work simply by way of connection; but the truth is that the material presented on the debut solo project The Postcard would warrant the coverage regardless. And in fact, the decision to include Side Saddle in this month’s reviews were based solely on the music before learning of McGuinness’ industry position.
So what’s the fuss about? The Postcard is a four-song wonder that capitalizes on McGuinness’ ability to write around a hook with a playful sense of melody with crisp and catchy chords. There is an easy urgency marked with a warm and wistful nostalgia that pervades every second of this record.
Opening track “When It’s All Done” bears the mark of classic Simon & Garfunkel, a sweet and very short taste of what’s to come sliding immediately into the raucous “Reverie.” Where the opener whets the appetite, “Reverie” dives straight into the heart of McGuinness‘ strongsuit: smart lyrics, clever use of chord progression and super clean vocals. This is the type of song you want to listen to over and over again; that is, until you allow yourself to move on to the wonderful “Don’t Wait For Him.” Yet another poppy gem that capitalizes on crafty lyrics, well-timed harmonies and an insanely catchy beat. “On The Road in a Storm” is so easy on the ears, and delivers an enchanting vocal that glides smoothly on top of delicate guitar work that shows skill and restraint.
There’s an earnest quality to both McGuinness’ vocal performance and the lyrical content of this record. The songs presented on The Postcard are spirited and assured, laced with a sort of fearless confidence that shimmers in the form of addictive melodies, perceptively clever lyrics and a fresh-sounding familiarity. McGuinness’ songwriting style comes across as pure and simple, but there are layers that continue to reveal themselves with each listen. So sit down, press play, and peel them back.
Side Saddle on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisissidesaddle
(This originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_side_saddle_the_postcard)
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