Mock Deer‘s new EP, Perceptions, showcases the riveting songwriting of Ricky Damiani, who recorded the EP with Canadian band The Burning Hell in Snowbird Studios (the band’s mobile recording unit). The EP’s tracks, which Damiani brought unfinished to the collaborative group, touts a resoundingly passionate and invigorating pull — the byproduct of a spontaneous recording process, which bore excellent results. Although more relaxed in tone than much of Damiani’s previous material, the track’s play with with strongly emotive themes and captivating vocal range.
Enjoyably representative of the artist’s stellar songwriting, “Human Code” is among the EP’s four tracks. Both “Human Code” and “Father Time,” in particular, place lyrical emphasis on the complications of growing older. Damiani’s vocals enthrall with every word, ranging from suave recollections to ardent rises — tonally reminding at points of Sturgill Simpson, Father John Misty, and The Tallest Man on Earth. The introduction is particularly reminiscent of the latter, the patient lyrical approach conjuring images of cold Novembers amidst barren guitars. The ritual recollections drive to a powerful vocal ferocity approaching the two-minute mark, the shifting between lush intimacy and emotive power maintaining stellar momentum throughout.
Stream the Perceptions EP below:
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This track and others featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of March 2022’ Spotify playlist.
