photo by Carissa Johnson; photo courtesy of Knyvet

EP Review of Adam Sherman: Nowhere But Here

Adam Sherman‘s EP Nowhere But Here sounds like a modern collection from a pop singer-songwriter icon. Indeed, that kind of is Sherman, a veteran of the Boston music scene who led A&M recording artists Private Lightning and The Souls.

First song “Gratitude” has kind of an ’80s pop sound, a catchy guitar hook, and a Beatles-reminiscent style, in that it draws structurally and somewhat sonically from the Fab Four while updating it with a lusher, newer pop sound. The harmonies are cool, too, as Sherman is joined by Robin Lane for vocal harmonies not just on this song but throughout Nowhere But Here.

photo by Adam Signore; cover design by Adam Sherman; image courtesy of Knyvet

That Beatles-esque vibe continues into the melancholy “How Hard I Tried.” Vocally, though, Sherman’s voice reaches a little higher, comparable (to me) to Five for Fighting or Savage Garden, drawing a bit on the sound you’d expect from a slow, sad, pleading song from the ’90s or ’00s.

Next, “Torn and Tattered” is a good old-fashioned country/Americana dancehall crooner, backed with the very-country twangs and cries of a lap steel guitar. Unique among this collection, I’m picturing someone in a cowboy hat and boots singing at the front of a classic country music stage. Is there anything sadder – or more old-school country – than “You think that I am strong; I don’t know what you heard; because once a heart is broken, love is just another word”?

“Pure As Yours” mixes Americana and that high ’90s/’00s pop vocal sound, delivering a memorable song that’s soft and sweet throughout, with a sound that feels rich while still being sparse, leaving the focus on the vocals, bringing this strong EP to a pleasant conclusion.

Looking Ahead

If you act quickly, there’s an opportunity to catch a cool upcoming show, as listed on the “Shows” page of Adam’s website. Tomorrow, May 31st, at The Burren in Somerville, MA, you can catch Robin Lane in concert with Adam Sherman opening.