Ten Years Older: Jarrod Gorbel EP Review

After separating himself from his first band, The Honorary Title, Jarrod Gorbel starts new, and on his own. Ten Years Older is a four-song EP from the folk singer/songwriter. The Brooklyn native blends soulful singing and simple melodies to create his debut solo project.

Gorbel explained in a Twitter message that the reason for going solo by saying "It was a growing up of sorts, THT was a great vehicle to communicate my music but I want to move on." Gorbel felt as though he was maturing musically and wanted to try new things.

The EP sounds similar to the music of The Honorary Title but it's more personal and has people involved. The same dedication and passion is used and is heard clearly.

Some fans on his Myspace page express how much they love Jarrod and his music by saying things like "I'm really happy you're branching out. You're an amazing artist. I flutter inside at the sound of your voice...I can't wait until I'm back in the U.S. to see you play again" and "...I would like you know how much i truly appreciate your music, you have a beautiful voice, and lovely lyrical tunes" and "you are a music hero".

It's really difficult to pick a favorite song, but if I had to it would be "Optimism". The melodies and lyrics, in this song especially, are very similar to those of another folk band, Death Cab for Cutie. The chorus is the best part, where he sings
"Losing your voice in the crowded streets
Pulsing crunch of machinery
The oh so harsh frequency
In the city that we love
We love, we love, we love, love".

Some of Gorbel's other songs on his new EP are "Ten Years Older" "A Moment of Peace" and "How Long?"

When asked about his favorite song and why, Gorbel also replied in a Twitter message "How Long. It's so simple but says exactly what I meant to say and the production is warm and very Nick Drake* influenced."
*Nick Drake ('48-'74) was an English singer/songwriter.

About Jarrod
Who: Jarrod Gorbel
Style of music: Folk
Other musical projects: The Honorary Title
Next concert: March 1 in Portland, OR at Mississippi Studios. 8 pm. All ages.
More infortmation: Myspace page, Twitter, Facebook.