Svendsen, Ryan: The Voiceless EP

Ryan Svendsen started his music career as principal trumpet for the California Youth Symphony, before moving into more behind the scenes rolls with United Talent Agency, Azoff Music Management and now, Lionsgate, where his is manager of film music and has had a hand in the release of over 50 soundtracks including La La Land and The Hunger Games series. During this time the trumpeter has continued to play as much as possible, performing with the likes of the Dave Mathews Band, Herbie Hancock and MuteMath along the way.

The short The Voiceless EP took a year to plan and then, with his friends Ryan Kravontka and Chap Leonard on acoustic guitars, was recorded in one day. In essence that's exactly what you can find here, gentle, sometimes intricate guitars working seamlessly beside Svednsen's dominant but never domineering trumpet, the six tracks capturing improvisations that display Svendsen's emotions, love and the ups and downs of his life. However, with some tracks also carrying electronic beats, there's a surprisingly contemporary edge to what is a hugely traditional base. The best example is possibly "The Big Chill", where layered trumpets dart and swoop in a variety of guises as thunking bass drum and finger clicks take the mood in a different direction altogether.

"Day Dream" strips things back, a lazy strum allowing the sharp piercings from Svendsen to really hit their mark. It's relaxed yet urgent and extremely evocative, especially when the main man really gives it some welly. Then, doing just as its name suggests, "Flip It" turns things about face, bold rhythms taking centre stage as robotic programmed squiggles of sound bite through and barking beats build the groove. With "Let's Meet" a summery delight, "The Naked Mind" an enigmatic, remote abstract and "Out The Door" an organic stroll through relaxed times, there's an amazing amount of ground covered on a release that barely stretches beyond twenty minutes. Brief it may be, but The Voiceless EP undoubtedly has a lot to say for itself. Sit down and listen in, it's message is wise indeed.

Track Listing
1. The Naked Mind
2. Out the Door
3. The Big Chill
4. Day Dream
5. Flip It
6. Let's Meet

Added: June 24th 2017
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: The Voiceless EP on bandcamp
Hits: 1206
Language: english

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