EP Review: War Is Over – More Than a Number

From the very start of this EP, I found myself captured by the quality of the acoustic guitar work. This is the type of upbeat positive vibes we love when it comes to folk. Even when the lyrics are a bit more melancholy, the songs have an optimistic style to them that makes them stand out. The musicianship, artistry, and overall performance on this EP are all top notch this rising folk band War Is Over.

The title track “More than a number” starts the EP off well. Everything from the steel guitar to the great harmonies all make for a fun loving folk style. The harmonies are probably my favorite part. I am not sure, but I think the lyrics are about what it feels like to drift away from our friends. Considering I’m writing this review with a “missed call” from a college buddy (that I’ve kept in touch with for 20 plus years!), let’s just say the lyrics are relatable…

The following “Ironbound” has a good acoustic energy to it. The lyrics have a heaviness to them in a good way. There’s a seriousness to the composition style that makes the listener really lean in and listen. The banjo helps to set the mood on this one quite well. “Worth the wait” opens with a clever acoustic riff that takes on a more mysterious vibe than the first two tracks. The lonesome vibe of the lead vocal on this one helps it to occupy a slightly different sonic space (in a good way). There’s a subtle intimacy to it that reminds me a bit of what made the Civil Wars great years ago. It’s a heartbreak song with an orchestral vibe that works well.

“The Wire” has an upbeat folk energy to it parallel to the opening track. The jangly banjo (and mandolin?) on this one is really a good vibe. With a style reminiscent of the wonderful band Darlingside, this song definitely stands out in the folk crowd right now. This is a subgenre of folk – the stomp and holler style – that was really popular in the early 2000s. I think it still works today and this is a quintessential example of it.

The penultimate “Meet You By the Sea” feels like a contemplative Dylanesque folk narrative tune. I often find myself saying “no thanks” to other artists because they fail to do what this song does immediately… which is to pull me in right from the start. I can connect with the imagery. It’s a love song; we get that right away. But it’s also got this inherent brightness to it that makes it stand out. Oddly, at first listen I thought the “ohhh” vocals on this were actual horns… which, I suppose, was the desired purpose. It makes me want to bust out my horn and try some subtle horn harmonies on this one.

The final track brings home this beautiful EP with plenty of grace and charm. “When the Nighttime Comes” has an emotional, engaging style. It’s a simple lyrical message that anyone in a long-term relationship can relate to; when night time comes, you want that special person in your arms. But the song then has this beautiful break to it, moving from a simple acoustic love song into a more epic hand-clappy folk sound. It’s got an endearing quality to it. It absolutely begs for the listener to sing along. I love everything about it from the vocal harmonies to the message.

If you can’t tell, I give this EP all the thumbs up. There are no skip tracks. The musicianship and artistry are top notch across the board. I will be adding this to my personal rotation. It’s a great EP start to finish for fans of contemporary folk music that has shades of homage to the traditions that have shaped the genre.


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