Lucas Kane is one of those rare performers who will not compromise when it comes to heart and emotion. This is very evident while listening to his debut EP, Stars and Blue, a near-flawless and laid-back work of acoustic song craft and poetry. He is self reflective and compelling yet breathtaking and powerful at the same time.

The Australian native’s first track, “Tomorrow” is extremely upbeat and a great song to wake you up in the morning. The lyrics, “Today will do, I don’t know what tomorrow will bring”, make a procrastinator like me feel almost downright shameful (almost). As an opener, it does hook with you with a burst of energy, but, as you will see, it is a departure from the rest of the album.

The next song, “She Used To Sing The Blues”, features a catchy melody about not who can sing the blues, but who has the right. The superb guitar instrumentation is on-point but playful. My favorite part of the song is when Lucas starts howling midway, giving you a direct taste of heartbreak and longing. So, yes, Lucas Kane can, and does, sing the blues!

“Stars and Blue” is my favorite song on the album, rightfully sharing the name of the EP. The backdrop offers pretty and pensive guitar finger-picking as Lucas delivers a solemn and angst-filled melody. He puts himself in the proverbial footsteps of a whipping post, creating a song with such an emotional response. The next track, “Careless Landslide”, is just as solemn but features a lovely bass line that brings it full circle. The poetry in such lyrics as “I made you everything I need” emote such an incredible wealth of feeling. The last song “Seventeen” is spoken from a true sage and plays upon the familiar guitar work and delicate melodies.

This album marks a mature level of songwriting for Lucas Kane; every piece is intimate, warm and so easy to adore. His sensitivity is not about opining about past heart breaks or let downs, but more to do with being painfully aware of the machinations of life. If you like rich lyrical themes surrounded by captivating guitar riffs, than you will find this album enchanting to say the least.

Rated 4/5