Review of new John Thayer EP entitled ‘Face to Face’

John Thayer released his third EP, Face to Face, on July 1. This indie rock album contains great elements, but falls short at times.

John Thayer released his new EP Face to Face on July 1. This marked the third record from the Oregon born and raised artist. Thayer is not alone among his siblings in actively pursuing music. His brother Tommy is a lead guitarist in Kiss. Though both are musically inclined, the brothers have vastly different sounds. John Thayer’s Face to Face is evidence of that – with a light alternative rock feel woven through diverse instrumentation.

Face to Face opens on a light and peppy note with the title track. It maintains a sound similar to the lighter side of ‘90s rock. Unfortunately though, this track is missing a needed spark. Bordering just on the edge of catchy, “Face to Face” lacks the impact of upbeat rock tracks from bands like the Get Up Kids and Gin Blossoms. However, there is nothing glaringly wrong here. It is a reasonable start to the album.

“Not Afraid” comes second, with a darker tone and a deeper resonance in sound. Full instrumentation adds an edge to this accessible rock tune. Here, smooth and distant vocals counteract biting strings and eerie key work. Though effective in many ways, listeners feel as though this track never fully comes to fruition.

The middle track on Face to Face is “Really Doesn’t Matter.” Though an enjoyable Beetles influence permeates the song, a change in vocal quality is desired at this point in the album. With lyrics that become lost in the mixing process, it is difficult to maintain focus on “Really Doesn’t Matter.” All parties involved seem quite capable, but this musical arrangement overwhelms the somewhat subtle vocals.

Making the pieces fit

Next, “Angel” sounds a bit awkward compositionally. Listeners feel as though a break from Thayer’s light-alternative-rock groove was needed in order to execute this track in an impactful way. Unfortunately, “Angel” sounds like great elements that do not properly fit together.

“Lonely Eyes” closes out Face to Face. With a great introduction, it would have been interesting to further explore that instrumentation prior to adding vocals. However, this is the most effective track on the album. The pieces all fall together in a driving way on “Lonely Eyes.” The varied and classical instrumentation John Thayer features throughout truly shine here. Additionally, it does so without overwhelming Thayer’s vocal inclinations.

Face to Face is a middle of the road album. Listeners find skilled artists and interesting elements throughout the record. However, in many cases the whole turns out not to be equal to the sum of its parts. In order to float to the top in a sea of rock acts, John Thayer will have to kick it up a notch next time around. That being said, listeners will expect to hear more from Thayer and look forward to his future efforts.