Jason McIver Collective - EP Review: The Big Blue
It's been ages since I last reviewed an acoustic EP - and to be fair, usually I cringe when someone asks me to have a listen, as the recording quality is sub-standard, and the production value is less than average.
The Big Blue from The Jason McIver Collective is far from this to tell you the truth. In fact, I enjoyed this EP so much that I flicked Jason an email straight after listening, offering to lay down some drum tracks for him if he ever needed them.
The Big Blue is a 6 track EP - a decent length, most bands or solo artists now opting to usually only drop 4 tracks on an EP so it makes for really good listening. I wouldn't consider The Jason McIver Collective sound to be hard rock, but I definitely wouldn't lump it in with the pop category either really. It's almost like an acoustic hard rock (if you can imagine) but it grooves really nicely.
You can hear some really subtle conga's or bongo's in the background to add to the groove of what definitely sounds like a steel string guitar rather than nylon strings - but it's played with perfection, no string twang or loose notes to deal with.
It does somewhat remind me of 3 Doors Down, maybe some hints of the Incubus Acoustic Sessions if you've ever heard them, or a favourite of mine from back in the day Days Of The New.
Look To The Stars is probably my favourite track off the EP with nice chord progressions, and a very cool deep harmony vocal tracking nicely with the melody line. Naked Blues is not particularly a 'Blues' song that the title suggests, but it has well structured choruses and flows at an awesome tempo. Definitely feet tapping material, with uplifting lyrics and classic rock progressions that work beautifully for this tune.
The collaboration for this EP consists of Jason McIver, Matt Hill, Si Foikard, John Boone, Will Bloodfarm, Zorran Mendonsa, and Matt Gutteridge all playing in various tracks throughout the EP, but with the main credit going to Jason McIver for his personal work. You may also recognise his sound from his days as frontman for Heathen Eyes.
All in all, a fantastic EP - one that I really enjoy. I really like Jason's acoustic work, although I can't help but to feel that he really should still be fronting a rock band with distorted guitars and heavy drums. His voice has amazing tone, and he is pitch perfect. I believe that he really is an undiscovered Jason Kerrison in the making. Check it out as soon as you get the opportunity!
About Jason McIver Collective
After moving bases from Auckland to Taupo Jason refreshed the line-up, featuring original bassist Si Folkard moving to lead guitar/vocals, bassist John Curtis and drummer Andrew Marshall.
The music explores the many emotions and movements occurring in life and celebrates a diverse scope of song writing.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Jason McIver Collective
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