Joel Henderson

Item: The High Risk EP
Author: Brian A. Smith

The High Risk EP

(2003)

Reviewed by Brian A. Smith

Discogs Bandcamp

Label Trouble Cure RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2003

acoustic folk rock singer-songwriter

From the opening notes of "High Risk" to the last chords of "Still I Want Nothing More", the debut project of Indianapolis singer/songwriter Joel Henderson draws you in, and holds your attention for the twenty minutes it takes to hear the six finely crafted tunes contained on The High Risk EP.

The title track portrays a man wounded with the knowledge that he is a gamble for any woman who is willing to take a chance on him. Henderson's David Gray-like vocals (backed by Stacia Demos of indie band Middletown) imbue the lyrics with an aching beauty as sublime as anything performed by Buddy and Julie Miller:

You can lay your cards down baby
You may even win some time
But when the rainbow fades its colors
You'll see the gold was only in your mind

"If Only We Could Talk" details the death of a relative who was the bridge between the subject and his father. It is poignant without being maudlin. "Always Willing to Take Me In" speaks of a safe refuge, that place each of us longs for where we are always welcome.

"Still I Want Nothing More" is a hopeful song that wishes for peace on earth at Christmas, and perhaps peace between two people as well. "When Will It End" is a saga of self-loathing, and the cycles of behavior that bring about a person's downfall. "Love Remains True" (produced by Ric Hordinski) speaks of the only thing that lasts.

Self-produced (other than "Love Remains True"), The High Risk EP is in the vein of the Paste Music catalog, and may be superior to anything currently offered there. If there is any justice in this world, Joel Henderson will appear on the new artist stage at Cornerstone, have his next album produced by T-Bone Burnett, and be 2004's breakout artist a la John Mayer.

Yes, it's that good.

5 tocks