Alex Otey embraces a swinging Americana, jazz-rock fusion flavor on the emotionally powerful “Signs EP”. With a sly sense of humor, the lyrics envoke true unbridled joy. Done with such fervor there is a playfulness to the delivery and arrangements. The energetic quality comes through with his impeccable chops alongside the wry delivery. Recalling Randy Newman’s poignant insight especially regarding his more politically focused pieces, the EP comes together as a perfectly realized whole. Infectious to its core there is a delightful air about the whole thing the way every track builds off the last, with each piece a part of an ever-greater whole.
The opener and title track “Signs” begins things with true grandeur, as the fire and passion of the piano playing works wonders. By far the highlight the work races forward in a beautiful blur. “Demo John” has a poignancy to it. With “God Loves” Alex Otey hits upon another highlight as the song’s rollicking rhythm and cascading instruments give a full rich presence to it. Bluesy emphasis reigns supreme over the insight of “Wanna Be a Politician”. Letting things sprawl out a bit with a 60s psychedelic flair is the impeccable guitar playing, which seemingly taps into a surrealist bent. A tremendous outpouring of energy defines the colossal rush of the go for broke finale of “Passport to Freedom”.
“Signs EP” shows off the thought-provoking storytelling of Alex Otey in a way that feels absolutely classic.
