The debut EP from duo The Crowd, Piece of Mind incorporates a thematic appreciation for life and surroundings within an approachably melodic melding of pop and rock. Harmonious vocals and flourishing arrangements are in abundance throughout the release, which represents the first of three forthcoming EPs from the project — which comprises the artists Caye and Alec Joseph.
“The Crowd” opens the EP with a jubilant vocal soaring, traversing into playful, spacey synths and clap-laden momentum. “How it feels to be alive,” a sense of appreciation emanates as spirited vocal layers assemble. It’s apt that the track was written in Yosemite, as there’s a high-flying effervescence apparent, befitting of nature’s beauty. Carpe-diem sentiments align with a jubilant overall production on this stellar opener.
A more patient vocal unfolding shows on the subsequent “Road 415,” where jangling guitar understatements bolster the dynamic vocal chops — ascending into an uptick in vocal vibrancy that shows shades of Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes. “Now my eyes are open,” the vocals exude, marveling at present surroundings and existence itself in an evident appreciation for life. “When we created “Road 415”, we wanted to sonically paint the view we were looking at in Yosemite,” the duo says. “It was so beautiful and serene.”
“The End?” is a resonating finale, moving seamlessly into twangy guitars and elegant strings. The Crowd describe it as “an anthem to bring people together in a society becoming more divided than ever.” The questioning chorus — asking if it’s the end of humanity, while searching for harmony — is spine-tingling into the bursting guitar tones. “I believe in now, I believe in love,” the lyrics further sentiments of present appreciation, apparent on all three gems within this stellar EP from The Crowd.
