Oliver Hazard - Raindrop River EP (2024) Hi-Res

Oliver Hazard’s latest EP, Raindrop River, is a cozy stroll through familiar indie-folk territory. The EP is an easy listen for fans of the genre, even if it doesn’t take many risks. Across its six tracks, the band stays true to their ethos of simplicity, delivering songs that reflect on love and loss while spurring introspection, all without overcomplicating the message.

Opening with Blood Moon, the EP establishes its dreamy aesthetic. This track epitomizes indie-folk with subtle foot-stomping percussion, echoey background vocals, and reflective lyrics like “I’m alright, I’m okay, at least I will be.” The production feels hazy, almost like a memory, setting the tone for the introspective journey ahead.

Haunted and Wild Eyed Blue fade into the background somewhat. While they’re perfectly serviceable as indie-folk tracks, they don’t stand out in the way the surrounding songs do. And at certain points are a bit distracting from the subject matter, like the crescendo end of Haunted. However, Honey I’m Hardly picks up the slack and emerges as the EP’s standout moment. The change in time signature immediately grabs your attention, and Mike Belazis’ vocal performance, dropping into a lower register before gradually rising, adds a sense of movement and tension. The bluesy folk tone of the guitar is compelling, especially during the solo with a beautifully executed string bend that lends texture and emotion. It’s a dynamic track that subtly elevates the band’s newest EP.

The closer, The Morning, delivers a gut punch of emotion. Belazis’ raw vulnerability cuts through the veil as he sings, “Would you love me in the morning? Maybe I’m wrong, maybe we could love this time.” An intimate confession of longing and quiet desperation. The understated acoustic guitar perfectly complements the gloomy mood.

As a whole, Raindrop River offers straightforward, digestible lyrics that embrace simplicity. Oliver Hazard has openly stated their intention to write about simple concepts without embedding deeper messages, and that philosophy is evident here.. Belazis’ distinct voice shines through, supported by harmonious background vocals from the rest of the band. The EP occasionally struggles with diversity in sound. Honey I’m Hardly and The Morning push the boundaries slightly and offer variations that keep things interesting.