REVIEWS

Song: Malpensa 

Overall Impression: 
Chronicles of a Fourth's EP, Open Relationship Blues, is a masterclass in melancholy - and the second track from the album, Malpensa, is a microcosm of conflicting emotions.  Set in its namesake airport in Milan, Malpensa boasts lyrics that deal with the dual emotions of arrival and departure, expertly set to guitar work that is at once hopeful and reflective - fully capturing ambivalence in word and in spirit. 

Strongest Point(s): 
Malpensa is a great track - well mixed and with skillful performances all around.  Great bass parts and awesome tone! The doubled lead vocals during the choruses are lovely, and the gentle banjo throughout really helps capture the joy and sadness conveyed in the lyrics.  The lyrics themselves are also masterful, cleverly communicating emotionality but remaining relevant to modernity.  Easily repeatable as well - perfect for fan participation.  Also, good use of sampling to capture the airport setting. Really great! 

Target Audience Appeal: 
Chronicles of a Fourth has a sound that should appeal to fans of mid nineties and oughts rock - but that still feels completely fresh and original!  Malpensa has a wealth of emotional expression within it, and creates a perfect space for listeners to project themselves into.  Immersive in sound and emotional in lyricism, Malpensa is a song that stands appeal to anyone who cares to listen!  Excellent musicianship all around! - Jon W. 

Artist target suggestions: 
The National, Eve 6, Maps & Atlases, Barenaked Ladies, Better Than Ezra, Minus the Bear (Acoustic), The Punch Brothers, Stop Light Observations 

About the Reviewer: 

Jon Wright is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and music educator with nearly twenty years of experience in the field. Working with musicians and their individual sounds is his passion and profession, and he strives to interact with and understand every aspect of the production process - from theory and songwriting to recording and mastering. He continues to teach students of all ages and is currently collaborating with artists in a wide variety of genres.

Song: Open Relationship Blues 

Overall Impression: 

Open Relationship Blues is an action-packed six song EP from the minds and talents of Chronicles of a Fourth, and the namesake track on that EP takes a rip-roaring approach to a classic blues format - lamenting the concepts of infidelity and insecurity much in the way the blues always have, but this time with a fresh take on the dilemma.  Lyrically spurring themselves to take control of their fears and trust in their partner, Chronicles of a Fourth's song, Open Relationship Blues, is a wildly musical exploration of faith, love, and self-control! 

Strongest Point(s): 

There's a lot that's right in this song! The guitar solo at 1:10 is killer, and the tapping that kicks in around 1:43 or so is exciting, tasteful, and expertly executed.  The banjo adds a really nice flavor to this blues rock sound, and the vocals carry just the right amount of distortion.  Lyrically, the song is simple but the intensity and complexity of emotion behind those words is plainly heard and does quite a lot to make this song stand out.  Really great! 

Target Audience Appeal: 

Chronicles of a Fourth's Open Relationship Blues stands to resonate lyrically with anyone who's dealt with the struggles of infidelity and jealousy, and musically with fans of bluesy, folky sounds that carry authentic passion.  The energy is strong, and listeners are sure to connect with the emotion on display!

About the Reviewer:  

Jon Wright is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and music educator with nearly twenty years of experience in the field. Working with musicians and their individual sounds is his passion and profession, and he strives to interact with and understand every aspect of the production process - from theory and songwriting to recording and mastering. He continues to teach students of all ages and is currently collaborating with artists in a wide variety of genres.