Tim Spriggs is an Australian film producer and actor, who is currently focusing on his musical talents. In the process of writing and recording a full length album, Tim released his EP “Something Else” as a foretaste of his creativity, during June of 2018. The recent years has presented the market with multiple artists reinventing the acoustic folk genre by dragging its music into the 21st century. Tim Spriggs forms part of this movement. Notwithstanding its high acoustic quotient, indeed this is an EP that has the capacity to produce multiple mainstream radio-friendly singles.
A solid collection of singer-songwriter and folk-pop tracks, this recording thrives with Tim’s effortless melodicism. Above all, “Something Else” sounds like a guy playing his acoustic guitar. This meant in the best possible sense, because his lyricism and melodies take center stage rather than being upstaged by the EP’s instrumental effects.
“Once in a Lifetime” is a rhythmically energetic piece featuring Tim backed by an insistently strummed acoustic guitar. The inclusion of lush instrumentation and big banging drums only enhances this stirring arrangement. I literally blocked out the lyrics and just meditated on the music. It was too dynamic to be ignored and that is the proof that Tim Spriggs is as excellent a song writer as he is a lyricist.
This is the lead track as it sets the mood for what this EP progresses on to be. Though the opening track may sound like an easily relatable song; its company is a stunning work of acoustic driven, melodic pop which never drags, consistently performs and occasionally tugs so hard at your curiosity you’ll wonder what’s hit you.
“Where I Came From” is one of the most addictive pop tunes I have heard this year. The ear-worm melody, Tim’s resonant and crystalline vocals, as well as the straightforward musical arrangement makes this a no-brainer regardless of your genre preferences. The song is also enveloped by a nostalgic aura which renders it even more endearing to the ear.
There are also more up-tempo tracks – “As They Say” is one of them which starts off sounding almost like a nineties grunge song but keeps its pace and life, trapped inside a robust off-beat and Tim’s solid, smooth vocals. Not a single wasted line or word of filler, makes sure that the verses are captivating with the choruses being deservingly intoxicating.
“Something Else” is the singer-songwriter, pièce de résistance of this recording. Changing tempos and moods, sprawling acoustic guitars, rich harmonies and a strong narrative sees Tim Spriggs pondering society’s intolerant and despotic leanings. He states his point for the futility of forced conformity so well that it’s difficult to avoid being affected.
A similar, naked-to-the-bone technique, is used in another stand-out, “The End Of The Year”, the two-minute closer to the EP. Amidst a few reflective guitar chords and finger-picking, Tim’s lyrics slide and melt, painting a picture of a moment in time – specifically the end of the year.
It is a short, almost indifferent account of events, but there is some restless, inescapable hope seeping through Tim Spriggs’ tone, and that of the guitar. And as the EP closes, you’re left, not troubled, but strangely optimistic. “Something Else” is a recording which rewards from the very first listen, but it takes a patient listener to appreciate the many moments of genius on show here.
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