A captivating three-track EP that spans from dreamy yearning to suave rock stylings, the Morning Show EP comes via Melbourne-based Old China, the solo project of multi-instrumentalist Nik Fentiman, who writes, performs, and records everything you hear within.
The EP’s title track is wholly riveting. The contemplative, melancholic bristling conjures a late-night aesthetic, with a warming bass-laden envelopment and mellow keys haunting alongside underlying acoustics — reminiscent of American Music Club. A chilling vocal delivery accompanies, stirring into a glistening expanse and then a twangy rock splendor. It’s evident quickly that “Morning Show” has a compelling, dynamic structural savvy — spanning from synth-touched hypnotics to soaring psych-rock hints.
Following, the other two tracks also satiate. “Cardiotek” rides on a suave vocal delivery and twangy guitars, its debonair synth/guitar interplay and cool vocals conjuring ’90s nostalgia, a la Beck. “Sticky Nixon” shows a caressing, Americana-forward pull — fit for watching a sunset over a prairie. Old China’s Morning Show EP thoroughly impresses in its range and melodic richness.
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“Morning Show” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of May 2023’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
