Nine Blind Men and the Tiger is the solo project of Johnny Saigusa, who has been actively releasing material since high school (when he wrote and released three full-length albums). One of those albums, Pablo the Moon Frog, was re-released on PorchFire Records this past December. Now, Saigusa is prepping the release of a new EP, following the enlistment of guitarist/producer Caden Westmoreland, bassist Roman Parnell, and drummer Eric Schueler.
“Leader” is the first single off that EP, showing a strong sound with alternative-rock and power-pop fervor. The track begins unassumingly with nonchalant vocals and driving guitar strums. Keys enter at 00:50 with alluring hypnotic appeal, as reverbed backing vocals adorn the melody with wordless enthusiasm. The 01:14 arrival of murkier guitar tones and wonderfully melodic backing vocals provides a grunge-tinged sound that captivates thoroughly. I’m impressed by how the track maintains a consuming, hypnotic appeal while emphasizing each and every production aspect — from the reverberating guitar strums to the reflective keys and wordless vocal croons. This is definitely an EP to look out for.
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“Leader” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of January 2019’ Spotify playlist.
