Review: Front Porch Step - Whole Again EP

Whole Again begins with the beautiful “A Lovely Mess”. The EP’s best song, it features a Mumford & Sons-esque sound supported by honest and relatable lyrics. Lines like “I’m not the perfect man, but you are just so perfect and I want to be the one that holds your hand” showcase a love that’s real and true, and the track is bound to become a fan favourite.
“Heaven Sent” is a complete 180° from its predecessor’s subject matter. Covering a break-up, it takes the listener on a journey of heartache and regret. It mixes piano, guitar and even a tambourine to create a unique sound and the entire track is done in typical Front Porch Step fashion.
Who says it’s too early for Christmas? That’s right, no one. Mcelfresh’s cover of the classic “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is a beautiful rendition and one I can picture listening to on a snowy night in front of the fire. It’s followed by the EP’s title and closing track, “Whole Again”. The heaviest Mcelfresh gets on Whole Again, it’s the songwriter’s best showing. Being the only time a full-band is featured, it’s six minutes of pure and solid emotion. It features a brilliant guitar solo toward the end, and is a track I can see fans screaming along with at a show or even in their bedroom
Overall, Whole Again is an amazing release. Within these four songs, the listener can see how much Mcelfresh has grown since the release of his debut album and just how much talent he has. His raw and pure approach to music is unique and allows this EP to stand out amongst other ones in the acoustic genre. It is the best release of the songwriter’s career and I’m excited to see what else he has in store.
Download: A Lovely Mess
4.5/5
By Clare Fitzgerald
