I’ve been a Switchfoot fan from the first time that I heard “Oh, Gravity!” in my freshman year of high school. I was bummed that I had to wait so long to review this EP due to finishing up college, but I’ve finally had the chance to sit down and fully digest everything lead vocalist Jon Foreman has to offer on part one of his four-part solo EP series, Sunshine. (The entire series of EPs is entitled The Wonderlands.
This EP isn’t something that I would necessarily turn to on an everyday basis, but Foreman’s music is so soothing that it provides the perfect soundtrack for what I called R&R: reflection and relaxation. The first track, “Terminal”, sounds like the opening score of a film, while listening to “The Mountain” can’t help but conjure up images of the most beautiful beach you can imagine at sunset. The string section at the tail end of the latter is gorgeous.
“You Don’t Know How Beautiful You Are” is the first truly epic-sounding track on the EP. I feel that this is the section where a certain amount of intensity comes into Foreman’s vocal range while singing an anthem of self-confidence and personal empowerment.
“Caroline” slightly changes things up. The song sounds brighter than the previous tracks, but the overall tone manages to be kept in tact. One of the best songs on the EP is “Patron Saint of Rock And Roll”, featuring intricately written harmonies layered against an acoustic guitar, until drums and horns kick in.
“All of God’s Children” closes the album in a perfectly soothing way. The last acoustic guitar strum leaves the listener satisfied, but still waiting for the next chapter in the EP series. Don’t worry. Foreman is a gifted songwriter, so it should be here soon enough.
Sunlight is available now.
This has been another Shameless Promotion.