NORTHERN
breakwater
[ Northerm is a swell guy named Chris ] : 2006

Chris Greiner is Northern, a musical "collective" [if you will] from the {northern} state of Maine [see also: LP review]. On this limited supply ep breakwater, Greiner is joined by a few talented friends - one being Two-Ton Santa captain & Unbunny introducing [to this listener] Guy Capecelatro III.

Five songs complete this hand-made ep, and acoustic / slightly synthed opener "leaves get wet" would get my vote [I'd try to vote more than once, if allowed] for my favorite Northern song to date. The formula is simple: an acoustic guitar enveloped within a summery breeze of sonic stutters - as Greiner spills his tale on how slippery things can get -you guessed it - when leaves get wet [this particular tale set in Winter, I believe]. "let's hold hands, trace a path along the bank. let's walk for weeks". If you were to quiz me - I'd say this is a love song smothered in excellence. Think Andrew Kenney's contributions to the HOME ep series or Ben Gibbard solo and you're on the path to hearing the kindness Greiner displays.

So, did I totally lose my mind over that first track? GOOD -the song deserved it. I did make it to through track 5 - and they all delighted... yet my opinion was skewed and formed upon the first listen to "leaves get wet". "Home" is the fitting companion track to "leaves" - with Greiner and his guitar riding above a sustain of synths and minimal percussion/jingles. Nothing on this five-song ep will wake/bother your slumbering neighbors - so you have no excuse not to listen.

Less ramble from me - seek this release [mine says there are only 51 to go around.]

BONUS: my ep [they differ] is housed in a stitched cover-lope with 3 color imprint of a bicycle, umbrella and drops of cool gray rain. Pretty to stare at, better to eat you with. Fuckin' A, Northern. Fuckin' A!

:k