Jon Chesbro is a New England multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer who releases his latest EP this month. About this release he has shared “I feel like this EP has been two years in the making. Not all on purpose, but through life’s ups and downs I feel like I’ve been granted this perspective that I can only tell through music. That perspective is through the lens of failure, success, heartbreak, friendship, and everything in between. After receiving some of my own heartbreak and getting fed up with life, during Covid’s standstill, I decided to leave my hometown and look for something better. I gained new knowledge and experience. After traveling the country for a bit, I found myself back home with my tail between my legs. I didn’t know which way was up, I just knew I had to do something.”
This five-track extended play opens with `Against The Crowd` a number that kind of rolls along gently like a stroll in the park. A reflection on going against the popular opinion and having to work harder than those following the crowds. There was some intricate guitar chord riffs shared along this reflective musing. We have a similar vibe on `See You Again` but with a warmer summery feel.
`Missouri` ambles along wonderfully and is a tale of heading off to the `Show-Me State` or `Mother of the West` and it`s diverse landscape that would certainly lure you there. Again, there were some sweet, understated guitar riffs and a delightful organ leading us along.
The final two songs, I read were born out in Arizona. `It`s Been A Long Time` has a kind of introspective intensity to it about the hesitation and apprehension of trying to reconnect with somebody after many years. Title track `Outta State Outta Mind` closes this offering and it’s a thoughtful reflective piece with some charming piano keys, guitar riffs and a rhythmic rolling drumbeat.
There was much to enjoy on the `Outta State Outta Mind` five tracker and although there was a kind of simplicity about the numbers shared they certainly drew me in and had me humming them, long after the EP was finished.
Rating 8/10
