When I decide to share a release from an artist I’ve written about before, I usually revisit my past write-ups. And so, with Joel Cusumano’s new EP out today on Dandy Boy Records, I apparently called his Waxworld debut LP his magnum opus, a masterpiece full of good ideas. It’s a bit much, perhaps, but a little over ten months later I still stand by that statement.

The name of the Appendix EP already gives away what we’re dealing with. It is linked to Waxworld in the sense that it is built from leftover parts and underdeveloped ideas from those recordings. Those pieces were carefully reconstructed by his band, comprised of Brett Austin Eastman (Andy Human & The Reptoids), Ella Keilt (The Letterwriters), Owen Kelley (Cyan Pools), and Julie Barwick (Latitude), with additional trusted musical buddies Ray Seraphin (R.E. Seraphin, The Pennys), Matt Bullimore (The Mantles), and Rob Good (Ryli, The Goods).

While a certain dread and cynicism about a failed relationship and the state of the world is bubbling underneath these songs, they arrive full of life, with a sonic richness that makes me want to keep playing them. Now, my expectations of anything Joel is involved in are fairly high to begin with, but I am kinda blown away.

The Appendix EP is not the little extra thing at the end that only diehards will check out. I believe songs like Buying Time and Stigmata would have made Waxworld an even better record. At the very least, they are perfect gateways to the songwriting of Joel Cusumano and friends.

FYI: Joel Cusumano is touring Europe later this month with The Goods who have a fine new record coming out in a couple of days. Go see them if you can!

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp