The joys of moving to a new city; finding a place, packing and unpacking, adjusting to the new settings and leaving the old life behind. These were the circumstances that Kevin Geyer’s latest EP under the name, Same Side, were written in. In Place was recorded at former Seahaven guitarist Michael Craver’s new studio, and replacing the flurry of instrumentals on his mainstay The Story So Far with precise acoustic strumming.
In Place opens with looping minor chords, that become the backbone of the track on “Post Self“. Electric guitar and ambient synths fill the track around the acoustic chords, while Geyer sings a mellow tune about self-doubt and lack of control that comes with every day life. The aforementioned looping chords are the tracks most noticeable feature, keeping the ears in an almost entranced state while varying elements move in and out of the opener. Moving down onto the lower chords for the EP’s second track “Domesticated“, which slowly builds in a traditional manner adding in layers as the song progresses. There is a pleasant simplicity to the track, the chord progressions and structure allow for an easy listen. This does come with the slight downfall that as the song does move into its final stages it becomes less engaging as a package.
With tempo amped in the introduction of “Density“, a catchy drum groove accompanies the guitars and creatively used synths. The lively nature of the track ensures the attention doesn’t slip after the slower style of the opening two tracks. The quirky guitar and synth solo acting as a bridge gives a healthy rhythm to the entire track. “What A World” sinks itself in melancholy. The slow and deep present throughout the track sets the mellow tone, while the synths float around the track. Despite the sad tones of the track, Geyer’s vocals add a warmth to the track that offers up the perfect track for rainy days.
The groovy synths soon return with track “Cheap Talker“, the track here possibly falling victim to being too similar to “Density“. While there’s a clear difference in the structure of the track, sonically it sounds a tad too familiar to what has already been heard. The suspended 2nd chord progression makes for some beautiful listening on “Long Enough“, the guitar work here along with the well placed ambient effects make for In Place‘s highlight. The slight shift in vocal performance to a dreamy tone lead to a track that captures the ear and imagination. “Small Theft” closes the album out with plucked guitars and ruminating vocals. There is a longing and nostalgic feeling to the entire track, with Geyer possibly reflecting on days and times gone by. My only complaint about the closer is some of the sampling being too high in the mix.
There’s no huge surprises hidden away in In Place, it’s a brief but pleasant journey through Geyer’s emotions. There’s interesting use of synths and sampling with some excellent guitar work throughout too. The EP’s simplicity and sonically limited space prevent it from reaching any grand highs. Despite this In Place is worth spinning for those looking for a digestible and charming listen.
7/10