ERIK HASSLE, Somebody’s Party (EP)
25 year old Swedish singer (but now L.A. based) Erik Hassle has received a fair amount of acclaim for his unique takes on pop/dance music over the last few years. But it’s finally coming into its own with the release of his 6 song EP Somebody’s Party. This time he veers more in the direction of US and UK R&B, and that the opener “Pathetic” and closer title song could have been borne out of Prince’s Diamonds And Pearls era is a fantastic reference point. Throw in flashes of Terence Trent D’Arby, Drake, Coldplay, Usher, combined with 90’s inspired European/UK pop and you have songs that will keep you listening. Erik’s voice soars similarly to Sam Smith and James Blake at some times and it will be interesting to see if Erik and his songs fall into similar success now that he’s signed to RCA. Every song is extremely well done, with often blunt lyrics that will sink in after a few listens, and I’ll give a nod to two very different duets – “Talk About It” with US rapper Vic Mensa, and “Innocence Lost” featuring an aching streetwise pairing with US R&B singer Tinashe (video below). Somebody’s Party is a stellar complete package. It’s a major score for Erik Hassle that should open doors everywhere. Stream the entire album above and get it on iTunes.
Erik Hassle plays Toronto’s small Wrongbar in an already sold-out show on May 26 – he obviously needs a bigger venue!
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