David Raynolds ‘So Alive’ EP

With an opening track that slowly unfolds, evolving from acoustic to a crescendo of unveiled percussion, electric guitars and harmonies ‘Shallow’, though ironic in it’s lyrical depth, acts as the shore where the tide approaches land only as an introduction into the vastness of the sea. “I’m off the deep end, watch as I dive in” double as a mission statement not only for the opening track ‘Shallow’ but for the entire So Alive EP. The waters quickly drop and get torrential as ‘This Is The End’ takes the listener for a sharp turn, an EDM/Electronic dance song varies from the acoustic opening previously played, an exciting 180 turn around. David Raynolds ‘So Alive’ is packed with life ‘Apologize’ immediately follows ‘This Is The End’ and is another drastic change in mood, the haunting strings and mysterious piano melody create a somber tone for David’s determined delivery. ‘The Reason Why’ continues the consistent theme of sporadic stylistic choices and vast diversity, an island-like dance heavy track with an upbeat feel and a breezy instrumental. ‘Dragostea Din Tei’ has David Raynolds bringing us back to the clubs and rooftop parties, a fitting end to a complex musical journey, a celebratory victory lap for an EP that set out for the waters and covered most of the seascape.