The Orphan, The Poet – An Exercise in Form

I’m not going to pretend that I’ve heard of Ohio’s The Orphan, The Poet before, or even that I’ve heard either of their full-band EPs.  Rather, I’m going to review their four song acoustic EP, An Exercise In Form, cold turkey – what I hear is what I get, with no reference to their usual sound.  Based on what I know though about their alt/indie leanings, this should work in their favour.

An Exercise In Form is a pensive, deeply thoughtful undertaking with instant similarities to some of the genre’s popular flagship bands.  The album comes across with a casual communication reminiscent of The City And Colour, sharing similarities with that long since forgotten The Early November acoustic EP.  But acoustic shouldn’t be confused with simplicity.  From sleigh bells to strings and rich supporting vocals, much planning and thought is evident.  Take for instance opener “Invincible,” which forgoes all guitars in favour of a gently layered soundscape featuring minimalist piano keys complimented by an emotive violin.  “We were invincible, we were untouchable” carries vocalist David Eselgroth, his compelling tone embodying each word with a fitting melancholy sentiment.

The remainder of the EP builds a similarly sorrowful sentiment all the while progressing musically.  “To Those Called Icarus” starts up the guitar while peppering in some backing harmonies across the four-minute escapist call from reality.  Only by the third track, “Water Seekers,” does the band introduce percussion with beating drums and a bridge of rhythmic finger snaps.  It’s well timed and a natural point of insertion.  The EP concludes by reverting back to their low-key selves with “Sleeping Giants,” preserving continuity and atmosphere from start to finish.

With the uniquely laid out nature of each track, And Exercise In Form goes beyond the mold of a basic acoustic album without the pitfall of overproduction.  And while it’s not Make Do And Mend’s Part And Parcel (few things are), it’s a sensitive four tracks that reveal The Orphan, The Poet as well balanced indie troubadours who likely won’t remain unsigned for much longer.