We first encountered American rocker Erik Hansen earlier this spring, declaring his debut EP ‘Seasons of the Wind’ “as fierce as one would want it to be, boasting an overall sense of fuzziness and charming rebellious flair”. It turns out that that very same EP was part of a striking trilogy of records, a notable endeavour that now brings us ‘Seasons of the Wind III’. Released just before Christmas, it’s the perfect festive gift from Hansen himself, although if you are expecting mellower music, you are grossly mistaken.
Don’t get us wrong: ‘Seasons of the Wind III’ still contains a healthy balance of dark, gloomy rock ballads and punchier tracks. But it is certainly not seasonal, instead aiming at expanding Erik’s fragmented, nuanced artistry. Welcoming the listeners with hard-rock, Black Sabbath-esque anthem ‘Never Alone’, the EP keeps the energy up with follow-up ‘Free Me’, only to dip into sensible beaches with ‘Take Me Home, a mellower acoustic gem.
‘Raven’s Wings’ takes the record to a close just as it started: with fury, and heavy evocative flair. Previously known for his militance in rock group Fallen Angels’, Hansen seems to have identified a personal source of inspiration, a willingness to share his music that seems to have paid off so far.
Recommended! Discover ‘Seasons of the Wind III’ on Spotify:
