Jason Karaban: “Mayfly” Review and Upcoming Shows

On the heels of his sophomore disc “Sobriety Kills,” Los Angeles indie alt/pop artist Jason Karaban has just released a three song EP titled “Mayfly” on April 7 through Ascend Records.

“Mayfly” is Jason Karaban’s third album, peppered with Civil War imagery (as you can see by the CD cover). It’s somewhat of a deviation from his usual sound. The album is comprised of three beautifully poetic, haunting songs; accompanied only by piano. I’m tempted to say that it’s even more stripped down than what he usually does (because it is), but Karaban has crafted a definite environment and mood for “Mayfly” that gives it a rich sound, for so few instruments.

He has done very well at placing and arranging his music so that each note has a meaning. Although it’s different from his usual style, which at least includes some drums, it seems right to just leave the music alone and let it stand for itself.

I do have one complaint: it’s too short. There are three songs under three minutes and now I want more. The songs are so wonderfully done that I wished that it was a full length album.

Overall, it’s a beautiful collection; I wish there was a better way to express it, but I guess the only thing to say is you need to hear it for yourself.

He is playing a show on April 10 in Los Angeles at the Hotel Café and will be playing songs from “Mayfly” and preview new tracks with his new band featuring members of Counting Crows, Elvis Costello’s Imposters and vocalist Lucy Schwartz. He will also be playing in LA on May 28th at Genghis Cohen.

Find all the info you need at his official website.

Mayfly tracklisting (all these songs are up on his myspace):

1. Sullivan Ballou
2. No Casualties
3. A Far Better Place

Check out the MP3s for “Thread” and “Sobreity Kills” on BeatCrave.