The Timbre of Cedar – Sunny Side State of Mind

By Ryan G

As soon as I saw the album art for this EP, I had the feeling that this would be a good soundtrack for fall. As I sit here at 9:33PM in Columbus, Ohio having just sipped a hot chai-der outside in 80 degree weather (Columbus City Schools are closed because of the heat tomorrow), I feel thankful for this warm fall music to go with the unseasonable weather.

The vocals of Marissa Parham remind me a bit of a Cincinnati singer named Jane Decker. When I first started this blog, I wrote about a band she fronted that went by the name Belle Histoire. The two bands share an upbeat autumnal sound with rich vocals and ear-catching choruses. “Let Go” is certainly a good way to kick off a release, with an arrangement that feels down to earth in spite of the crunchy guitars. Let it be know that The Timbre of Cedar makes use of that effect—extra crunch—to differentiate themselves from others, including the Belle Histoire connection in my mind.

One of my favorite moments on the EP probably comes in “Grow My Roots,” a title that makes me think of Come Wind (RIP). The simple reason is that I like the melodic progression. It’s a familiar key and progression in a new packaging; but it feels powerful every time.

My favorite song on the EP overall might be “Sunny Side Up.” It has everything. A big chorus. Lots of pep. A stomp-clap section in the bridge. A wall of sound build-up. And rhodes, used to the effect of communicating a cheery walk in nature. My mind’s eye drifts somewhere toward the realm of Wes Anderson movies.

Overall, this EP gives me the sense that The Timbre of Cedar have found their identity. This isn’t to throw shade at their earlier releases, but as someone who has followed them (mostly from afar) for a few years, something just feels more cohesive about this EP than past releases. I’ll admit that I’ve been the most intentional listening to this EP as well, so there’s that. But shoot—even the closing track, a ballad titled “Flowers at Midnight” feels sunny.

If you’re a friend of the band and you haven’t listened yet, know that the sound is as bright as Sam Parham’s long red locks and tell me you’re not sold on this.