Anthemic indie rock with a gritty vocal lead, just enough reverb to soften and elongate each resounding line – Nicholas Bak delivers a sharp and smooth Americana sound, with the opening track of the eclectic EP Long Time Coming.
Slapped You In The Face is the memorable name of this first song, a sultry blues-rock groove and distinct, honest vocals offering short lines that rise up for the story’s peak and chorus.
It’s a likable introduction, funky and evocative all at once, and instantly recognisable after it’s crossed your path. The songwriting is key, plus that vocal identity, and this is made all the more clear as we switch into the breathy and dreamy tones of Angel.
Nicholas presents as a deeply thoughtful artist and songwriter, the voice almost Macy Gray-like in this hazier and more intimate setting, and the lyrics consistently piercing through with a refreshing realism that holds attention brilliantly.
Next we get a superb descending guitar riff and something like cinematic Americana to light up the essence of an uplifting and devoted Stand With Me. Then there’s a mellow and reflective moment to ground things again, as the fearless vulnerability and spacious organic set-up of Harder and Harder delivers an impassioned and powerful highlight; a subtle nod to the legendary heartfelt anthems and ballads of a simpler rock era.
Ramping things up is the soulful rock crescendo of When You’re Young, another intimate contemplation on life and the changes we all go through, built around a quiet to compelling energy that is both the unique production, the warming bass line, and the superb versatility of the rolling vocal lead.
Nicholas concludes the Long Time Coming EP with a snappy and aptly playful floor-filler entitled The Disco. It’s a fun song, easy going and colourful, entertaining and uncomplicated, shining light on yet another side to an impressively diverse, rather limitless modern creative. This project is all of the things it needs to be in order to represent a truly independent songwriter, and that approach works well to engage with listeners from start to finish.
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