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Saturday, 06 January 2007 15:42

Opener "20 Years" is almost Howie Day-addictive, with swirling guitars, a catchy beat, and rising vocals.

 

 

 

Minnesota singer-songwriter Shaan Sharma has that perfect pop sensibility: radio-friendly AAA that isn't derivative or dumbed down. The only drawback to his debut EP The All New End is that it's just four songs-whets your appetite, definitely, then leaves you wanting. Opener "20 Years" is almost Howie Day-addictive, with swirling guitars, a catchy beat, and rising vocals. "All this pain is normal, everyone feels it," Sharma relates on the refrain, "at least I have a love life to scream about." Sharma takes it down a notch with "Dear Whoever," then builds it triumphantly back up again. The easygoing "The Ground" would fit easily onto one of those tastemaker TV shows. Bringing the EP to a gentle close is the piano-driven "Untold," as Sharma veers into Duncan Sheik territory with his tender vocal delivery. Highly recommended, and one to watch. A- | Laura Hamlett

RIYL: Howie Day, Matt Nathanson, Duncan Sheik