EP review: HM JOHNSEN – Serenity

HM JOHNSEN - Serenity

EP link [Release date 27.11.20]

Norwegian singer songwriter HM Johnsen certainly has an interesting backstory as his 2017 debut album ‘Chased’ was funded by a small community in western Norway, which allowed the album to be mastered at Abbey Road.

His musical journey continues on this EP as he stated “I feel that I have gained a lot of personality and experience writing and living out the process of this EP’. The inspiration for this E.P. is from my generalised view on our modern world and comprises of a modern form of Jazz and Rock and underneath, a main genre of pop.”

The jazz influence comes through loud and clear on ‘Stay Within Range’ where a long piano piece sees the song out in style.’Born Addiction’ continues the jazz thread adding a mournful trumpet to Johnsen’s emotive vocals.

The title track has a strong pop melody, further strengthened by female backing vocals on the chorus. ‘Stand In Line’ is one for airplay/playlists with its subtle pop melody.

‘Am I The Only One’ starts off nice and easy, before morphing into a rock chorus, then back to a soft rock sound, before rocking out by the song’s end. Add in a bluesy guitar solo, synths and it all works well. Interesting on this one as he still shows his blues rock roots, yet they are used more as an embellishment rather than the basis of the song.

HM Johnsen is an artist to watch to see how his music and career develops. An EP to delve into that’s for sure. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie


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SAHAJI Tell Me All Your Feelings (indie)

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