Joel Havea - Strings & Woods (Self-Released)

Joel Havea is a singer-songwriter originally from Australia. Currently located in Germany, he is released his new EP Strings & Woods, aptly titled for, well, the dominance of the acoustic guitars and occasional strings. Overall, it’s an album typical of the folk genre today, but his soulful vocals and personality add a lot of individuality.

“My Wings” is probably the highlight of the album. With an intro similar to “Blackbird”, it grows into a beautiful meandering melody replete with more strings and gentle harmonies. It does seem when Havea is fully exposed and at his most fragile that he truly comes into his own.

There are some nice variations—“Simple Things” is a pleasant jazzy number, with a riff almost reminiscent of the Beatles, and the strings are a beautiful addition—but for an EP with only six songs, there is, unfortunately, a trend towards repetition. It does seem as if every song sounds somewhat similar to the one two tracks before it. But taken on their own and separated, each song does still stand perfectly on its own.

For the most part this is a great EP, and it’ll fit whatever mood your currently in, whether you’re looking for something only to put on in the background, or something you want to settle down with and let it move you. Strings & Woods will be released the 24th of May.