Ian Wilson
The Crater EP
2008
Ian Wilson's first studio recording, The Crater EP, is an intellectual and unpretentious solution to piano/lounge music. While one gets the impression that it could pass incognito at the most sophisticated fancy boy catered martini party, a closer listen reveals a rough and honest voice emerging in the queer music scene.
In five songs, Wilson creates interesting imagery for vivid, and at times lengthy, descriptions. Wordplay, cadence, and rhyme aren't what one listens to this EP for; rather, the awkwardness of the lyrics are their strongest charm - they seem to be asking the audience to listen more closely, to be drawn into the Wilson's world.
The EP sounds like a moody Vegas lounge performance with an indie rock influenced Elton John singing (in other words, more conversational, flatter, and more direct). While it could be described as "rock," the music focuses mostly on vocals and piano with various percussions making jazzy appearances in several songs.
It's the debut of someone who I'd definitely like to hear more from in the future. It falls into many of the same traps one expects on debuts, like an unclear aesthetic, lyrics that focus more on what they're trying to say instead of how they say it. But it's technically well done and Wilson's a talented pianist and vocalist, making this EP a pleasant addition to a music collection, a welcome voice in the queer music scene, and a positive sign of what's to come from Wilson.
For more information, visit Ian Wilson's website. He also has free mp3's to download!
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