Ohio singer song-writer Jake Mcelfresh is better known to fans as Front Porch Step. 2014 has seen the singer continue to rise with his genre blending mix of acoustic, indie, pop-punk and at times, even a little hardcore. Whole Again is Front Porch Step’s highly anticipated new EP, penned for a December 2nd release. Known for his lyrical honesty and raw approach to music, Mcelfresh’s music is a lovely companion for anyone who has experienced loss or fell out of love.
Opening track ‘A Lovely Mess’ is produced by Four Year Strong‘s Alan Day, and it is one that kicks off in that familiar heart-aching tone. “Darling, I may not be everything you want; but I can give you all I have,” Mcelfresh croons in the energetic, pop-punk influenced song. ‘Heaven Sent’ quickly follows with another guest producer in the form of Ace Enders of The Early November, who also happens to make a vocal appearance. The two voices combined make for some nice vocal harmonies. Telling the story of lost love and the one that got away, the emotional lyrics are weighed in by the softly strum guitar. This is one of those stunning tracks that will leave the hairs on your arms raised for it’s whole three minute length. We’re going to turn back to Mcelfresh to describe how this song makes us feel, as he tells it so perfectly: “I got sick in the most wonderful of ways.”
Sticking with the season, track three is a rendition of Christmas classic ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’. It’s a cover that doesn’t stray too far away from the original but with the added Front Porch Step element that makes it feel like it’s being sung at home, across the fireplace on a winter evening. The title track ‘Whole Again’ serves as the EP closer in a sombre six-and-a-half minute overflow of emotions. The strongest out of the four tracks, it sees a continual rise from the sole guitar to a full band sound as electric guitars and drums clutter in to partner Mcelfresh’s near scream vocals.
Though the acoustic touch may not be for everyone, there’s no denying that this EP is a strong effort that continues to build up upon itself. Whole Again is a perfect in-between for fans eager for new material, and it also comes in a nice party size for anyone still unfamiliar with the singer.
