BREAK FREE! Transcends “Folk-Punk” Creating a Unique Alternative Sound
Erik Mut is a Canadian born world traveler and songwriter. Described by some as folk-punk, his Erik & the Worldly Savages project is far more than that. With inspirations and influences ranging from classic alternative, punk rock, jazz, folk, world music, and even hip hop, the sound is unique and well crafted. Without being disjointed, Erik is able to blend so many different musical styles to create one singular sound that will appeal to fans of everything from Tom Waits to Gogol Bordello to Against Me! and beyond.
Break Free! is a six-song EP without a weak track. All 6 songs are fantastically constructed, ranging from the decidedly gypsy sheen of “Glass Cage” to the Bright Eyes-esque “Dry Fear”. Lyrically, the album is every bit as strong as the unique compositions, with a distinct punk rock sensibility. In short, it’s hard not to believe this is among the best alternative rock releases of 2022, if not one of the best releases period.
The album’s closing track, “Burn My Life”, also has an accompanying music video. The song has a full sound and is one of the most punk rock tracks on the release in attitude. The multi-instrumentation on the track reminds this reviewer of some of the biggest moments on Piebald’s All Ears, All Eyes, All the Time in the way it blends improv jazz elements into a distinctly punk and indie sound. A perfect closer for Rising Nomad and a fantastic single if you want to pick one track to get the best feel for what to expect.
Fans of gypsy punks that blend in other styles and sensibilities like World Inferno Friendship Society or Bobby Ebola and the Children Macnuggets are sure to find a new favorite here, but fans of bands ranging from from Polyphonic Spree to The Decemberists to The Weakerthans and far beyond are all liekly to enjoy the decidedly unique and broad sound of Erik and his sound that surely transcends the folk-punk label.
