Reviewed by: Craig Atkins

Published:  2 February 2012

Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars

ep: for you

Local outfit Mr Goodnight has released their new EP ‘For You’, a collection of 6 tracks ranging from a soulful, funk driven groove through to catchy hooks, mellow lounge cruise and sparse ballads, and I was hooked from the first listen.

There are two distinct qualities that I enjoy and look for in a recording. The first is a great quality mix where all instruments are adequately represented. This release was recorded at Mixmasters and Deep Blue studios in Adelaide, and of note is the choice to get the EP mixed and mastered in the Netherlands by Jeremy Ebell. The final product sounds great!!

The second is the musicianship of all the artists involved, and the instrumentation used to provide the light and shade of the music. The balance of syncopation and the soulful rhythmic dance that only horns, drums, bass and keys can bring, along with well placed guitar riffs and solos that enhance the song not cheapen it - all of these are extremely evident in this recording.

The first track ‘Believe It’ is a great opener: very strong structurally from the intro, with a good groove and catchy vocals, very easy to sing along to and great to get your groove on to.  Great guitar sound rises well for lead solos placed throughout the track, though I have to say the only criticism is the way the track ends - like a live jam gone for too long and stumbled to finish. It left me wanting a more stronger end to resolve the groove a lot more, or a fade out could have been an option.

The second song ‘Next To You’ is a little more chilled in comparison, with a gentle groove and subtle horn lines that to me had a Jamiroquai-esque type of feel. This is a very uncomplicated song that leaves the vocals to float above the instrumentation and create an open, easy vibe to this track. I could definitely hear this in a Rom-Com or TV show love scene when the guy gets the girl!

Track 3 ‘Returning To Your Love’ is the longest song on the EP at 6:09. It starts with a soaring guitar intro then falls into a chilled ballad that gave me the impression of a smoke-filled speakeasy or jazz club at the end of the night, with only 2 people left slow dancing with the band playing in a dark corner. The track lifts and falls after 2:50, which gives a much needed musical interval throughout the entirety of this song.

‘Walk Away’ is my stand out track from this EP, as it opens with a piano riff and vocals that gave me a little Stevie Wonder moment. It is a great song that has an undeniable rhythmic groove you can’t help but tap along to, and imagine how much fun the band would have had recording this song.

The title track ‘For You’ is the 5th song and is the ballad on offer, with gentle piano lines to open the track and perfectly set the mood with a message of love - another track that could easily find its way into the soundtrack of a romantic comedy.

The final track is ‘Fly Away Today’ that bookends the EP well, with a soul pop groove and uncomplicated instrumentation that is restrained where it needs to be and syncopates all instrumentation, providing another great basis for the vocals to float over.

The general feeling of this EP is one of high quality, from the recording through to the musicianship and the subtle use of uniform imagery of the packaging.  This CD is a must have for anyone who enjoys the style and grooves of funk/soul/pop, and I look forward to seeing more of Mr Goodnight as their music reaches new audiences around this country.