Cincinnati-based singer/songwriter Noah Smith stirs with an introspective combination of rock, country, and folk across his new EP, Cavaliers Into Cadillacs. The 37-year-old embraces an honesty within his songwriting, embracing vulnerabilities and impactful life moments — from watching one’s children grow up, to the multiple impacts of heartbreak. “I’m allowing myself to be as honest as I need to be to tell whatever story that needs telling,” Smith says.
“Don’t Break My Fall” opens the EP with an aptly dynamic aesthetical charm, swelling from folk-ready acoustics into rousing rock guitar bursts. “I know this is scary, and I know it’s gonna hurt,” the vocals convey a sense of vulnerability, capturing a crossroads in a relationship — when partners decide on a future or lack thereof. Organs bolster the beckoning vocals: “just let me drown.” A melodic yearning is palpable throughout, kicking off the EP in stellar form.
A multitude of highlights continue, with the ensuing “Skinny Pedal On The Right” pairing lyrical advice for children — with the “sometimes you gotta go,” ascent capturing the importance of taking a chance and moving on from comforting familiarity; the best things in life can often arise from initially uncomfortable situations, where one dares to move beyond their accustomed routine. “Secondhand Heartbreak” is another stirrer, showing a twangy folk-set balladry into a rousing vocal ascent, while “Diamonds In The Rough” concludes the EP with an enthused late-night drive. The EP is a decisive success from Noah Smith.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
