Andrew Nelson - Hidden In Thee

Andrew Nelson

Hidden In Thee 
self-released; 2014

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

If there were one word I would use to explain Hidden In Thee by Andrew Nelson I would say powerful. The EP may be under ten minutes in length but transmits a lot of emotion in that time. Nelson’s music has religious overtones that are hard to deny. The religious overtones don’t only come from the lyrics but the grandiose nature of the music as well.

The first track “Hallelujah” was the highlight of the three songs. It sounds like a warm bed of solace and understanding as Nelson combines orchestral strings, background vocals and piano. Nelson also delivers his best vocal performance here. He sings, “But I will sing hallelujah / Though it burns like hell just to breathe /Yes I will sing hallelujah / Though my sutured heart tears at the seams / Cause there's one thing I know / You've stitched to my soul / Your goodness won't give out on me.” 

Nelson’s vocals are heartfelt and full of melancholy. Towards the end of the song Nelson repeats the line, “Your goodness won’t give out on me.” Each passing time he sings it sounds as if it’s going to be his last words before he dies. Perhaps a bit melodramatic yet effective.

The second track “All That I Am (Hidden In Thee)” implements acoustic guitar and is a bit more hopeful than the first track. Nelson sounds like a mix between Bon Iver and Glen Hansard here. It’s a well-written song and almost as deep as the first track.

The third track “Your Love Is Sound” sounded out of place next to the previous tracks. He coats A cappella style vocals in auto-tune or doubler or a combination of the two to create an effect that Bon Iver has used quite often. The problem here is the effect is too wet and doesn’t let enough of his natural vocals to come through. If it weren't for the lyrics posted I wouldn’t have known what he was saying.

Hidden In Thee is a nice intro to Nelson who is currently working on his ten-track album entitled Your Love Is Sound. I hope to hear a bit more of a signature sound from Nelson on his full-length and I am predicting good things to come. 

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