Scenes From a Well Worn Path is full of so many interesting facets that it is hard to know where to start. Let’s begin with the title. The suffix “Side One” tells us that here we certainly have an artist au fait with the physical format, but it also signposts that this is part of a bigger project – the first quarter of a double album, to be exact.
Then there is the generic nature of the record, essentially singer-songwriter-esque at its core but with the songs treated to band-like, widescreen, expansive additions, and, cleverly, never the same ones from track to track, making for an ever-shifting, adventurous, and forward-thinking set of songs.
Opener, ‘Be Me,’ has the same soul-pop feel of ‘Reuben’s Daughters,’ okay, not a band that many will be familiar with, but there are few who manage to blend those genres in such an astute way – seductive, sensual, soulful, serene, but most of all clever – that they make for a perfect touchstone. (And certainly place them in the if you like that you’ll like this category.)
‘Bowie on the Wall’ showcases Music by Jeremy’s deft guitar skills, an ode to the inspirations and sonic addictions of the formative musician and music fan, and a celebration of the escapism our musical heroes offer us from our everyday life.
The title track is painted in a heavier hue, with fantastically dexterous, flamenco-esque guitar grooves nestled within soaring, indie-rock energy; it’s big, dynamic, original, and smart. ‘Bittersweet’ signs the EP off in a gorgeously gentle fashion, lush and lovely, with simple beats and melodic basslines woven into a spacious, light-filled song.
Scenes From a Well Worn Path would be a great EP for any artist to deliver; the fact that this is Music by Jeremy’s debut adds another remarkable layer to an already remarkable story.
