By Sean Huncherick

Following his time with alternative rock band The Underserving, Clay Kirchenbauer returns with the first EP of his solo career. While most EPs tend to stick to a formula of one incredible song, one decent song, one B-side, and some random song the band appears to have thrown together a few minutes before recording, Kirchenbauer breaks the norm by making an enjoyable EP from start to finish. This is done partially by keeping it short. The three-song EP clocks in at just over 11 minutes, but is definitely worth listening to. It’s not like it will take you too long.

Long Road Home starts with the emotional song “Hold On” which focuses on honoring those who have died defending their country. The mood is set somewhere between somber of peaceful. With lyrics like, “A son should not be buried by his farther/And a mother’s tears should never be of pain/but if this cause you fight for takes you with it/than an honor and a privilege it’s been/hold on,” there is little mystery in what the song is about. This doesn’t change how powerful and effective it is. If anything, the EP is worth your time for this song alone. If you don’t listen to it now, it’s quite possible that you’ll hear it on TV before too long.

The mood and tempo picks up for the remaining two songs. Along with the mood change, there is also an orchestration change. Instead of using the strings and keyboards featured on “Hold On,” the other two tracks use a full band (drums, keyboard, bass, acoustic guitar, and an electric guitar). Neither is as strong or memorable as “Hold On”, but both are worth listening to every once in a while. Not a bad start at all.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciZtg4K-zNE&h=297&w=450]

Score: 3.5/5

Clay Kirchenbauer: Facebook | iTunes