It’s a sure sign of the healthy state of the indigenous scene and its standing internationally when American artists re-locate to Ireland in order to further their career. Such is the case with West Virginia native and now Dublin resident Eric Eckhart, who came here four years ago for a “fresh start”, as he says on the sleeve.
Coming across as a more upbeat Elliot Smith with a hint of Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam, he should find a ready audience for his singer-songwriter fare. Not that he isn’t his own man; all seven songs on this mini-album, recorded appropriately enough on a Mac mini in his Dublin flat, betray a considerable songwriting and vocal talent. ‘I’m Trying’ is a gorgoulsy realised pop song with smooth harmonies and a melody that recalls everything from late sixties Hollies and Bee Gees ballads to contemporary Americana. ‘Bliss’ is more psychedelic in approach with Beatlesque chord changes and a driving rhythm. ‘Rain Or Shine’ is classic power-pop balladry in the Big Star/Badfinger mode while, saving the best wine until the end, ‘This Long Goodbye’ is a gem of a song that can only be described as Brian Wilson meets Chicago (think ‘I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times’ blended with the latter’s ‘If You Leave Me Now’). Accessible, certainly, but not lacking in depth; every track here is a potential candidate for radio airplay.