Jason Singer has got it figured out.

The man behind the project that is Michigander, knows how to write a pop rock hook. He just does. If I had to sum up Michigander’s sound into a bumper sticker, I think I would write “UNASSUMING THOUGHTFUL ROCK.” And yes, I’d put it in all caps. Because typing all caps doesn’t have to mean you’re yelling anymore. I think it can be a friendly way to make a point.

It Will Never Be the Same makes Jason’s point to make you think a little bit but not too much, while enjoying yourself in the process. This is something Michigander has been accomplishing for the entirety of its existence, but just when I think it can’t be fine-tuned anymore, he does it again. While there are times I wish something a little experimental was slipped in, I have to say that the end result is anything but boring. Continuous improvement of the same product with earworm after earworm is quite an accomplishment.

Earlier this evening, I was listening to the EP and make a stupid TikTok about how I was grumpy when I started walking because of a headache and that somehow it went away when the song “Indianapolis” was playing. Feeling silly, I mused “Now I don’t know if Jason’s intent was for this EP to have medicinal qualities…. but!” My mood was silly but on paper this song is something you’d probably say “oh yeah, I’ve heard that before” if you just tried to sum up the sound with no anecdote. However, this altered my mood in a tangible way.

I saw someone tweet (or maybe it was a post? not sure) say that Michigander really did save the best songs for the deep cuts, and I have to agree. The aforementioned “Indianapolis” continues Jason’s enamored journey through midwest song titles, with a song that sparkles and uplifts. “Cannonball” is a song about being content with the one you love, in spite of less-than-ideal circumstances, with a chorus that drives the point home with a fun little falsetto at the end.

The other songs that you’ll hear on the EP have been rolled out over the past year or so. I’ve heard “Stay Out of It” a million times on TikTok but for whatever reason in the past few days its reentered my psyche through repeated plays on my car stereo – I have zero complaints. “Superglue” is an unassuming way to kick off the EP, but one that has resulted in repeat listens for me – I didn’t even realize I was returning to this song as often as I was until recently.

In closing, I’d like to say that this EP will have you coming back to it in a sneaky way. But don’t question it, just go with it.

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