by Bradi Breckman
When summer rolls around, I always find myself leaving behind rock and alternative albums which hold the heaviness of the cold months, and beginning to play lighter pop, folk, and R&B records which feel at home in the hot sun. Local artist CEC’s Free Burn fits into the latter category and is the perfect soundtrack for evening commutes with the windows rolled down or for boozy backyard bonfires. The EP blends elements of R&B, pop, Latin, rock, and jazz music to create a satisfying musical concoction. There’s something on the EP for every listener, and CEC delivers it all with impeccable vocals and skilled guitar instrumentals.
Free Burn hooks the listener by opening with its best song. “Sabrosa” is a deliciously sensual Latin R&B song. The lyrics are simultaneously romantic and lustful, with lines that tell a story of deep infatuation with the promise of a steamy drunken hookup. Yet the words are admiring rather than objectifying, complicating the classic one-night-stand narrative. CEC’s vocals are relaxed through the flirtation and give the song a layer of intimacy that many tracks of similar subject matter lack. CEC’s swayable rhythm and classically romantic guitar progressions also contribute to the flirtatious nature of the song, and its overall success.
In the second track “How Should I (Love You)” CEC attempts a new style in collaboration with Edson Sean. This turn towards a more classic R&B/pop hybrid is well-executed if not innovative. The track falls a bit flat simply because the Auto-Tuned intro and basic lyrics present the qualities of many songs that have been made before. While CEC and Sean sound excellent and blend their voices into beautiful harmonies and cannons, the song has little new to offer in its lyrics or production.
The same cannot be said about the single “Wet Paint”, which is more unique to CEC. It is intimate and sweet and paints a picture of a relaxed Sunday morning spent swaying in the kitchen with a lover. Unlike the flirty lines in “Sabrosa,” the lyrics of “Wet Paint” are romantic and domestic, and CEC’s hypnotizing voice carries them with sureness and skill. A steady drum beat backs the vocals, making it one of few songs on the EP that prioritizes percussion over strings (though the strings are played as skillfully as ever).
“Waste a Minute” continues the intimacy of “Wet Paint” but gives it a soulful and jazzy groove. The soft vocals and jazz influence on the track remind me of contemporary pop/jazz artist Laufey. The song is well put together and, toward the end, is briefly interrupted by a sweet spoken-word sound clip from someone close to the artist.
In “Be Good,” CEC showcases their angelic high vocal range in repeating simple melodies. The song is slow and pleading as the speaker begs to be a part of all that is good in the world. The calming guitar progressions and light vocals make this song the most “easy listening” track of the EP. It is well-composed and very vulnerable, which will draw many listeners to it.
In short, Free Burn is an excellently composed EP. The track sequencing appears to have been strategically thought out, bookended by the two songs which are the most likely crowd pleasers — “Sabrosa” and “Love Me.” The latter is a unique blend of pop, rock, R&B, and Latin. It features interesting instrumentals, with creative guitar riffs and drum sounds which resemble hand-held percussion. CEC taps into their higher register once again and delivers lyrics of enamoured romance with ease. The song writing is basic, but it is effective enough for a danceable earworm. The upbeat song lets listeners leave the album happy and satisfied, with a little groove in their step.
Overall, this is a fantastically executed album with many unique elements and a cohesive sound. CEC’s vocals, heartfelt and intimate lyrics, and genre-blending skills stand out on this album. This summer, CEC is playing at Rainbow Trout Music Festival, touring across Canada with HAVS and will also be performing covers in the next “Bands as Bands” show in August. I highly recommend that everyone listen to their album and check out one of their shows this summer!
