'Summer' is the latest EP from psychedelic indie-queer musician Green Cheek Beak, also known as Ayden Mullen. The Colorado-based musician's latest EP is an experimental body of work that showcases complex production and warm tones, the perfect soundtrack for the summer.
With an atmospheric opening and summery warped guitar, 'Don't Blink' is a warm opening to this four-track EP. The chord progression of this song and the subtle flute in the chorus balances nicely with Ayden's delicate vocals that welcome the listener. 'Don't Blink' builds upon the tones explored in Mullen's previous EP 'Introduction' with the layered instrumental demonstrating growth and experimentation. 'Summer' commences with an expansive synth soundscape, drawing similarities with the work of Australian art-rock band Methyl Ethel. This song presents a new 'Green Cheek Beak sound'; the vocals gently guide the chordal progression and directs the listener to focus on the hazy atmosphere that gradually builds. 'Greenhouse' gives the EP time to showcase Mullen's skills as a producer and composer; the added brass section provides an interesting contrast to the bass line. The instruments drift into place as the listener becomes immersed in the ethereal backdrop that features textured instrumentation. The final track titled '5x3' is possibly my favourite song from this EP; the opening immediately oozes warmth and depth and later grows into a psychedelic dreamer's paradise. Green Cheek Beak never fails to deliver the perfect soundtrack for those summer nights when you want to close your eyes and escape into an oasis of psychedelic music. I would highly recommend checking out this EP and Mullen's previous work; this has to be my favourite EP of 2021 so far.
Listen to 'Summer' in the link above or hear the EP in full on my Spotify reviews playlist (link in bio).
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