John Murry - Califorlornia EP (2014)

Cut from the same cloth as Elliott Smith. Lou Reed. Jeff Tweedy and Darkness On The Edge of Town-era Springsteen. Mississippi-born. Californian resident alternative folk artist John Murry faces what he sees in the glass unflinchingly and then turns the mirror on us in ways that allow one to see their own reflection in sharper focus. 'Califorlornia' is actually an EP - 4 songs - but with 6 great bonus tracks it clocks in at 45 minutes. It includes the new single "Glass Slipper" (co-written with longtime fellow traveller Chuck Prophet) and a great cover of Warren Zevon's "Genius". The new EP continues the evolution of his previous acclaimed solo debut 'The Graceless Age.' melding a combination of emotionally unsparing. high-minded thinking. streetwise poetry. and gutbucket execution. all backed by an alive production direction similar to that which he embarked on with the late Tim Mooney (American Music Club) on 'The Graceless Age.' The Mississippi-born. California-resident Murry fell for Australia when in the country earlier this year for performances at the Sydney Festival and beyond. One of the EP's four core tracks. "Timmy". was recorded here with local producer Mark Stanley. who will co-produce the new record with Irish producer Karl Odlum (Kila. Glen Hansard & The Frames. Lisa O'Neill). His sound howling with electricity. distortion. and ornery. primal growl. the rabble-rousing spirit of the MC5 and Patti Smith are breathing anew through John Murry on this great new record.