Ross Palmer - Little Differences

Ross Palmer

Little Differences
self-released; 2015

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Ross Palmer is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and engineer from London who recently released a four-song EP entitled Little Differences. All of the songs on Little Differences are covered in melancholy but Palmer manages to find the right ingredients that make it endearing and warm. His voice contains a solemn, earnest delivery that provides some solace against the sadness. 

The tones and frequencies on this EP are easy on the ears. His guitar and vocals are upfront in the mix and provide the focal point your ears will gravitate towards. Once your ears arrive they will nestle up and feel comfortable within that space.

The most upbeat Palmer gets is on the very first song entitled “Little Differences” which is arguably the highlight of the EP. At the very least it’s the most accessible and single worthy out of the four. Palmer’s lyrics rely on nuggets of knowledge that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. Lines like, “Do you believe in little differences? The proof of their existence is between us now If you were me would you get into this?” are poetic and opaque. The melodies are ultimately the component that makes the song work. I have to say the guitar work is particularly engaging. 

The next three songs take a bit of patience to get through but are worth the effort. Palmer at points reminds me of a more melancholy version of Donovan. “Crossing Oceans” revolves around nothing more than his guitar and vocals. His vocal delivery is stoic and not very dynamic but works well with the contemplative lyrics.

“Beware of Tomorrow” trudges along at a slow BPM. It’s certainly a melancholy song but Palmer manages to layer shades of hope and wonder in the mix. The closer “On into the Night” sounded hauntingly familiar to my ears but I couldn’t pinpoint the melody. Either way it was a solid way to wrap up the album.  

Little Differences is an EP that you kind of have to be in the mood to listen to. I can’t imagine waking up to this in the morning every day but it has its purpose. 

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