Amsterdam-based artist Daniel de Boer showcases a stirring sound across his new EP, The Turnaround. Its six songs all feature musicians from different parts of the world, from the Indian-influenced guitar work on “The Way” to doses of sweeping orchestral beauty on tracks like “Keep You Close” and “Beside Me.” The EP is a lovely follow up to de Boer’s acclaimed debut album, Out of Shadow.
Opening track “Keep You Close” is indicative of the EP’s tendency for gripping structural and tonal expanses. A spacious, orchestral intrigue bolsters de Boer’s introspective vocals to start, escalating into the “I see you, and I feel you,” affecting multi-layered caressing. Serene acoustics complement the “into the light,” sense of warmness thereafter; the track excels in its balancing of lush contemplation and orchestral grandiosity. The subsequent “No Longer Belong Here” is similarly compelling, lyrically ruminating on a renewed sense of personal independence. Vitor Carvalho’s stylish saxophones inject a breezy allure, moody during the verses and seamlessly vibrant within the title-touting contagiousness. A bluesy guitar solo ensues in delectable form.
Embracing a pop and rock sophistication, the EP also delights in its global influences. “The Down” channels a compelling mystique in its Indian influence, drawn largely from the excellent work of Indian guitarist Varun Raj. Atmospheric electronic undercurrents further complement the memorable production, as de Boer’s magnetic bass line and ruminating vocals add enjoyably. EP finale “Beside Me” is another flourishing success, especially in its vibrant viola work, in addition to percussion from Marcelo Woloski, member of the Grammy-winning band Snarky Puppy. The Turnaround is a fantastic overall EP from Daniel de Boer.
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“Keep You Close” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
