Thomas John Cadrin - Play The Room EP

Montgomery, Vermont's own Thomas John Cadrin has arrived on the scene with his release, Play The Room. The five song collection is a welcoming mixture of folk rock songs constructed upon a simple lyrical outset that is refreshing and presents a singer-songwriter in the midst of finding his own musical identity.

We kick things off with "Victory March" a earthy, laid back acoustic number with Thomas's vocals working their way through the chestnut plated guitar sheeting with ease as the melodic undertones kick in and work their way through ever so slowly before his vocals kick in and bring the energy up a bit through the course of the song. "Separation Situation" has a neat little twist to it that shows off Thomas's musical framework and how the songs distinct layers show off different facets of his own personality and give it some identity and shape while maintaining the overall simplicity displayed in the preceding track. My favorite song off the album is "My Eyes Are A Frame", a track that shows the best range of melody and tone throughout the album, and shows where the album can go with its acoustic wavelengths working its way through steadily and gradually picks up pace towards the end as we near the conclusion of the album. "Losing A Better Place" starts off with light plucks of the acoustic guitar and Thomas's insightful vocals providing all the guidance and wisdom as the full energy and focus are all being directed heading forward. The disc wraps up with "Thoughtless Saints" a low key, downtempo tone that takes in everything we've heard in succession after one another, and presents it to us in a condensed format that shows what we've listened on our way to the end and what it has made us feel along the way. I had the opportunity to see him in concert last month with Tales of Olde at The Middle East Upstairs, and I was impressed with his laid back stage presence that blended in well with the genre of music being played that night, and he felt right at home with his musical stylings giving him the ability to communicate effectively with the crowd and also allow him to have the opportunity to introduce himself to those who may not be too familiar with him.

All in all, a decent and well constructed effort from Thomas John Cadrin, an artist who has made a clearcut vision of what his music sounds like and has not deviated whatsoever from his musical path, a quality that is common with most emerging singer-songwriters today.

                                                                                                                                EP Score: 3/5

Track Listing:

1. Victory March
2. Separation Situation
3. My Eyes Are A Frame
4. Losing A Better Place
5. Thoughtless Saints