Isaak Salomon - The Evening EP

Isaak Salomon

The Evening EP
self-released; 2015

3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Isaak Salomon like a lot of musicians was in a band before he went solo. When he lived in Washington D.C. he was a band called The Agiles and since then moved to Vancouver, B.C. and worked on his solo career. On his debut album The Evening he certainly has the whole singer/songwriter thing down pat. His music is warm, sincere and intimate that bares comparisons to an artist like Glen Hansard. 

If you are a fan of the singer/songwriter genre then The Evening will be required listening. Salomon has a good voice, is a gifted lyricist and isn’t too shabby at all the instruments he plays. 

The EP starts off with the arguable highlight “Weekend In the World.” I thought the string work on this track was exceptional. The different textures, which trickle throughout the song are great. Between the sliding guitar, acoustic and a couple others it creates a warm cocoon of comfort and understanding.

Salomon’s voice is just as comforting as the strings. He sings, “It’s a sweet kind of thought, To know that we’re alone. Like so many others that fall to each other, When it’s weekend in the world. -- Nothing’s better, nothing’s better.” It’s a thoughtful sentiment that avoids typical clichés and displays some inventive lyrics.

The advanced guitar picking was a nice way to start “Growing Pains” which has a more traditional folk/blues song type vibe that was only a minute and half long but effective. “On The Run” contains some melancholy and country aspects which reminded me of I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning by Bright Eyes although Salomon doesn’t really sound like Conor Oberst.

“Wilson, Pt.1” is another success revolving around a subdued drumbeat and atmospheric guitars. He closes with “Tintern Abbey” which solidifies his talent as he goes five for five.  “Tintern Abbey” contains a number of serene moments he combines that are covered with hope and melancholy. I really liked that Salomon didn’t go overboard with this song. It’s relatively subdued and he had moments where he could have gone grandiose but didn’t. A good call if you ask me. 

The Evening is unequivocally a great start for Salomon. The production and songwriting is good enough that he may have a chance making a career out of his solo endeavor. 

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