EP Review: "Flying Solo" by James Edan



Hey guys!

I don't know how many of you know the story of how house in the sand got started.
Or where I stole the name from.

Well, back in 2012 I went to a gig which blew me away. 
After telling all my friends about how incredible it was for the seventh time, I decided I had to find a new audience to share my experiences with.
Soon the idea of creating a blog came to mind and I ended up becoming a blogger.

"house in the sand" comes from a line of one of my all-time favourite song, "Wrong Directions" by Martin and James.
This duo was the first band I've ever blogged about, I've ever interviewed and photographed backstage.

Both, Martin and James - and their legendary hero Ryan - have been incredibly supportive and encouraging throughout the years.

It makes me super happy that after almost five years of featuring them, they're still not sick of me and continue to be a part of HITS.

That's why today I get to talk to you about James Edan's upcoming solo EP, "Flying Solo".


Artist: James Edan
Title: Flying Solo
Genre: Alternative, Folk
Label: Independent
Release Date: 17th February 2017

 James Edan is a singer/songwriter from Glasgow, Scotland.
James is one half of house in the sand's favourite duo, Martin and James.
With the band being on a break, both individuals are now making music on their own.

James' influences vary from intensity of Bruce Springsteen, to Simon and Garfunkel's handcrafted songs, to the Spice Girls and their catchy pop vibes.

His own sound blends Rock, Pop and Folk - in the charming acoustic manner, as well as with big compositions.

His upcoming EP "Flying Solo" showcases his strong and expressive voice and his writing skills. Make sure to keep an eye and an ear on James.

Tracklist:
1) Beautiful Lie
2) Inner Child
3) Waiting On The Divine
4) Flying Solo
5) I'll Come To You
6) You're Gone

When I first heard the recorded version of opener "Beautiful Lie", I literally bursted with excitement,
because I couldn't wait for people to hear the song.
It starts of with a calmly, yet somehow intensely plucked acoustic guitar which highlights James' vocals. Just when you're ready to wrap yourself into a cozy blanket to listen to the song, James throws one of the most intense choruses your way.
The combination of a strong and confident drum beat, a supporting bass line and the raw electric guitar, create such powerful atmosphere.
However, it's also the soft details, the clever arrangements and backing vocals that give the song this soundtrack-like vibe. "Beautiful Lie" is bound to blow you away!

James' voice is an instrument he knows how to play.
"Inner Child" proves just that.
The deep and warm vocals control the track, yet they still allow the instrumentals to shine just as bright.
Mellow backing vocals highlight the lead vocals and give the song the freedom to unfold into the fantastic composition it's ought to be.

One thing you'll soon notice, is the musician's talent for lyrics.
James knows how to draw a picture with words.
His lyrics are relatable, yet they never end up telling stories you've already heard twenty times before.

"You're Gone" is just one example; it tells the story of heartbreak - and whether you can relate to the lyrics or not - they will definitely remind you of that one time you though your heart wouldn't ever heal again.

To sum it up: James Edan is a fantastic singer AND songwriter who knows how to craft a song into an expressive and touching piece of art.
This first solo EP is a perfect way to find out what is yet to come. It's a first taste which will leave you wanting more.
Once again, James has re-assured us why we're such big fans of his work! 



You should listen to these tracks: Beautiful Lie, Inner Child, Flying Solo

You can listen to previews of every song below:





James Edan online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!













Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Artwork: via James Edan press kit | **with special thanks to James for asking us to review his EP**

2 comments:

  1. VANESSA! I VIRTUALLY CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS EP NOW (even more than before)! Also you had absolutely nothing to worry about, the review turned out so wonderful and so heartfelt. It was absolutely wonderful to read. <3 So glad you got to do the first review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahhhh! THANK YOU SO MUCH for this comment! <3
      I'm so glad you enjoyed the review, hopefully it made the wait a little shorter. :)

      I just hope the review does the EP justice. :)

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