‘Man Or Beast’ by Adam Cleaver (EP)

Adam Cleaver: conclusive proof that honing his skills on London’s open mic circuit was time well spent

Adam Cleaver may be looking at the bigger picture on his latest EP release but his music remains beautifully simplistic

he new EP from alt-folk musician Adam Cleaver is conclusive proof that honing his skills on London’s open mic circuit was time well spent. These four tracks are the sound of a soul being searched and find Cleaver asking similarly big questions to the ones that Fleet Foxes pondered on Helplessness Blues. As with that record, he is able to set his doubts against an elegant musical backdrop.

Beginning with At The End, a track which is propelled by a carefully picked guitar pattern, each song showcases Cleaver’s seductive vocals. His falsetto may be the most ear-catching weapon in his arsenal, but he also has a powerful lower register capable of soaring moments as heard on The First and Man Or Beast. Standout track The Salt Mine closes the collection and brings everything together under one delicately crafted roof.

With songs like these it is no wonder that Adam Cleaver is garnering praise from the likes of Lauren Laverne and it is no less than his talent deserves.

Verdict: Elegant alt-folk with mass appeal

Duncan Haskell

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