Cyrus Hanz - Crazy Busy

Cyrus Hanz

Crazy Busy
self-released; 2016

​3.4 out of 5

​By Ted Rogen
​

Cyrus Hanz is a singer/songwriter who just released Crazy Busy. It contains seven songs most of which feel like ideas that weren't fully explored or fleshed out. Some of it comes off as silly in an Ariel Pink type of way such as the opener “Where Would You End Up.” “Where Would You End Up” is a highlight amongst the batch and has a solid vocal performance that is catchy. I do wish the song had a couple of changes but it never quite gets to it. That is actually the gripe I have with the songs. Even when there are chords changes it never feels as if the energy changes. The dynamics remain similar throughout the songs.

“Gut Reaction” revolves a couple of power chords, percussion and vocals. Hanz’ vocal performance is decent here but not as catchy or well delivered as the first songs. “Sometimes I'm in Doubt” has some catchy melodies in the music but the vocals are a bit off the mark here. They sound a bit raw and Hanz has some issues hitting some of the notes.

The next highlight is “Melody Writer.” Hanz makes the right move here. The song is simple but very catchy at times. I wanted it to last longer but it ends just after a minute. The same could be said for “Future Family” - another catchy song that ends too soon. 

The album ends with “The Newly Wed Show” which goes past the four-minute mark. Hanz throws in some words towards the beginning of the song but it is instrumental after that. It’s a decent song with some inventive parts but was held back by the subpar production.

​There are some inspired moments along with some mishaps on Crazy Busy. I’d like to hear Hanz expand on the initial idea he has on future albums and at some point get a bump in production. Hanz has some talent but falls into a case of wait and see.

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