Ryan Wolfe - Easy Way Out

Ryan Wolfe

Easy Way Out 
self-released; 2014

4.0 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

Last year Ryan Wolfe released a fourteen song album entitled Human and no more than a year later is back with another proper full length entitled Easy Way Out. The eleven tracks in a lot of ways feel like an extension of last years efforts. Wolfe songwriting is as tight as ever and while still revolving around his voice and piano (for the most part) showcases his versatility and willingness to experiment.

Wolfe has a very attractive aesthetic quality to his voice but its hard to pinpoint. If I had to describe it with one word I would say “natural”. When he sings it feels like he isn’t adapting, exaggerating or manipulating his voice in a way that seems forced. Perhaps the single most impressive things about Wolfe’s songs is the arrangement. Wolfe seems to take in an ample amount of possibilities when considering the outcome of a song. He often veers away from traditional verse/chorus/verse type structures and is able to implement his own dynamics and ideas while still feeling accessible. 

Take for example the second song “Everything”. It starts off with a jagged steady guitar riff that has a bassline and piano melody that dance around it. It feels almost out of time but is actually in sync. When the chorus comes instead of going bigger Wolfe breaks it downs doing away with the percussion and then somehow finds a way back to the verse with it sounding too sudden. Don’t cut this song short as the last moments sound as if the band is falling apart in a good way.

The next song entitled “Song For Me” has a very different feel and vibe from “Everything”. The bass is rounded creating a canvas for a nuanced piano melody. The song strikes an odd balance between melancholy and optimism. Well done Mr. Wolfe. “Beauty” is a solid pop song that has a resemblance to a Beatles song while “Kids” is a tearjerker that puts his vocals front and center. 

The title track "Easy Way Out" is superbly written and has an emotional weight that is undeniable. One of the sweetest moments it when Wolfe repeats the lyrics "Its the easy way out" as the song get more intense. In fact the build up is the songs second half which is another testament to Wolf's unique approach to structure and arrangement.

Wolfe is the real deal. His songs resonant with emotion and his style is utterly his own. Do yourself a favor a check out this album.

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