Will Joseph Cook is a man with two first names, but his music is distinctly singular, and this EP of his is going to put him on the map. One of his latest singles, "Message", is one of those songs that you may not have had on your radar, but the moment it greets your ears, you're instantly questioning where you've heard it before. This phenomenon isn't because Cook is making music that's predictable, but rather, because the beauty in the notes will undoubtedly conjure up some of your happiest memories listening to other greats in indie-rock. The EP tracklist also features "Streets of Paris", and not only will it make you fall in love with the budding artist even more, but it also showcases Cook's range perfectly. New to the party here is "Daisy Chains" and "You Jump I run" (the EP's namesake). Both songs are worthy additions to the project, and it's clear that no single song rode in on the coattails of another. "Daisy Chains", for example, strips things down to the lowest common denominator, and can trace its lineage to material from bigger names like Max Frost and Local Natives. Lastly, we have "You Jump I run", and while it's up for debate on whether Cook saved his best for last (we're having a tough time picking a favorite from the EP), there's a clear sense that he's all about finishing up strong and isn't about to tack on a fourth track simply for its own sake. No, this is a standout offering and could have easily been a single as well. Time will reveal whether or not You Jump I Run resonates with the masses, but it's safe to say we've already got it on repeat, and are excited where this new artist goes from here. Do yourself a favor by, at the very least, spinning his project once or twice below. You Jump I Run is available on iTunes now.
Will Joseph Cook