EP Review: Grey Reverend “Everlasting”

by Sarah Young

Grey Reverend is the solo project created by L.D Brown, a singer/songwriter raised in Philadelphia, and now based out of Brooklyn, New York. From the young, but mature age of 9, Brown showed interest in the saxophone and later, the guitar, in the genres of  jazz, rock and blues. Today, Brown’s stage presence can really win over a crowd with his skills of finger-picking guitar and imaginative, layered, music production.

In a prelude to the upcoming full-length album, A Hero’s Lie, Grey Reverend gives a good introduction to his new music through the new EP, Everlasting. This EP starts out with the strong, ironically titled track, “Everlasting”. The titles of the three tracks that follow are “Lament”, “Nightingale”, and “When You’re A Rose”. Through listening intently to each of the songs, one is able to pick out the individuality and honest expression that lies within the EP, and further connect to the music, both melodically, and lyrically.

The music Everlasting offers portrays dichotomous characteristics: most of the music at first glance seems mournful, but upon closer inspection, the lyrics are rather optimistic. Even by looking at the titles of the tracks, you can sense how imaginative and active Brown’s mind is when it comes to his music.

Everlasting is a very mellow, deep EP and sounds like the stylings of a matured man overcoming past experience. Not to mention, this man is an exceptional lyricist and makes it all look sweet and simple. From the first note of the Everlasting EP, the first word and the last, this recording makes an avid listener of music excited for the next set of tunes to be released.

Release date: July 29, 2013

Purchase the EP on iTunes