On Aug. 15, Ian Mellencamp released his latest EP Free AF. Considering Mellencamp is the nephew of folk-rock legend John Mellencamp, this EP has a high standard to live up to. And it does.
Free AF is an extremely intelligent effort; Mellencamp never gets too comfortable with one rhythm or time signature and executes that in a way that still allows for the songs within the album to be perfectly pieced together. Free AF is comparable to an intriguing painting that contains so much detail the eye can’t decide where to land first, next or last.
It is apparent that Mellencamp is educated in rock n’roll, as his music contains distinctive elements of the genre including psychedelic guitar riffs, exploration of digital electric organ and a climactic story telling approach.
The EP kicks off with a soft, entrancing intro and dirty guitar riff in “Headsound.” This song has a groovy punk rock feel and sets the EP’s atmosphere of an underground ‘70s party.
In “Outlaw” Mellencamp gets personal with the listener, detailing a story about getting arrested, being taken to prison and admitting to a crime he didn’t commit. This story ends with frantic guitar licks and blaring sirens. “Rambling” seduces the listener from the first beat. It compels the listener to get up and dance or at the very least tap their foot.
The EP ends with thoughtful closer “A Race to End a Race.”This brings the EP to a satisfying close with aching vocals and a gentle rhythm.
Free AF is an epic rock EP that sets an example for anyone who wants to fuse influence from classic rock into a new modern sound.
There has been a critical error on your website.<\/p>
Learn more about debugging in WordPress.<\/a><\/p>","data":{"status":500},"additional_errors":[]}