Local Album Review: Kyle Crossland Self-Titled EP

Kyle CrosslandKyle Crossland EPCane RecordsUniversity of Miami student Kyle Crossland's new self-titled EP is a pleasant mix of easy-listening alternative rock tunes that don't quite approach the acoustic grooviness of Jack Johnson. There are promising moments such as the opening tempo of the EP's first song "Irony," which contains hints...

By Erica K. Landau

April 14, 2009

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "19274298",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17482312",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18711090",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17482310",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18711090",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17482313",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Kyle Crossland
Kyle Crossland EP
Cane Records

University of Miami student Kyle Crossland's new self-titled EP is a pleasant mix of easy-listening alternative rock tunes that don't quite approach the acoustic grooviness of Jack Johnson. There are promising moments such as the opening tempo of the EP's first song "Irony," which contains hints of early Unwritten Law and which breaks down into a catchy, though, predictably mediocre chorus. Unfortunately, these qualities seem to define the album: promising but amateurish and too formulaic. However, Crossland does possess the smooth vocals needed for easy-rock listening and, with more complex musical arrangements (he needs a better drummer), he may be someone to look for in the future; and not just in the local bar covering "Margaritaville."

KEEP NEW TIMES FREE... Since we started New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Miami, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.