Typically, an artist’s first EP/LP consists of a modge-podge of songs that aren’t usually weaved together like a lot of more polished albums. This couldn’t be further from the truth for Justin Sexton’s debut, Gypsy Wind. Though only a 15-minute EP, each track differentiates itself sound-wise, but also smoothly flows together to make a beautiful 5-song story.
An EP’s opening track is arguably also the most important, because it usually acts as a type of invitation into the rest of the music. The opening/title track, “Gypsy Wind”, does this magnificently. Not only are the melodic lyrics rich with raw emotion, but the beautifully done instrumental accompaniment acts as the perfect support. It has the feel of a classic rock song mixed with Americana, something that a lot of country artists aren’t able to succeed in doing. But what really pulls you in is the main lyric of “Like a leaf blowing in the gypsy wind, I’m gone,” which really makes you feel both the excitement and uncertainty of not knowing what the future holds. This track serves as an inspiring beginning to a rootsy adventure.
Contrasting its predecessor is “In the Rain”, a rootsy, upbeat blues song that can’t help but make you feel good. Lyrically, this song is very uplifting; Sexton is singing about being happy in spite of “the rain”, which could be both literal rain or something else going on in life. Either way, it’s a great sing-along to bump in the car, and you can’t help but enjoy Sexton’s soaring vocals. Lovable and relatable, this track lifts you up and will make you feel good, rain or shine.
A prominent theme of the EP is love, but more specifically the nostalgia and memories that love can bring you. “Heaven Forbid” is on the downhearted side of love: the longest song on the EP (03:47) is a sad yet not depressing ballad about the pitfalls of lost love. The slow, soft intro segues into an orchestra of sound and emotion as Sexton sings heartily about his regrets with a girl. And not only does this song pull the strings of your heart, it also makes you feel hopeful in a weird sort of way. It also serves as a hearty bridge sandwiched in between two singalong jams, making it perhaps the standout track of the EP.
Going back once again to the theme of love, “County Road 57” looks at it in a much different way than the track before it. Not only is this song more upbeat, it also contains some of Sexton’s best lyrics. How can you not be in the feels with lines like “In a world of change, one thing’s the same, that pretty smile on your face”? This is just one of many examples of the emotional power that Sexton’s songs contain, proving that it isn’t just hoity-toity, meaningless country pop. Songs like this one are what makes the genre great, because they combine the familiar bluesy feel with true meaning.
The closing track, “Average Hillbilly”, is by far the most rock-driven song on the EP. With electronic guitars and drums that fade into the traditional form of instrumentals, this song has great feel all the way through. It is also a fitting closer because of what it represents, which is having pride in one’s roots; it’s almost like this song is an ode to all the country music that has come before it. And not only will it have you grooving throughout, it’ll probably be most people’s favorite track on the EP, so be ready to learn the words.
Overall, what makes Gypsy Wind so enjoyable is that it explores different niches of the country genre; it goes from love ballads to rockabilly bangers and everything in between, making it a genuinely great listen all the way through that you just wish was a little longer.
Reviewed by Jack Rotolo
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