Album Reviews

Mike Perez - MPHC EP

At the end of last September, Mike Perez, vocalist of No Bragging Rights, released his first solo, acoustic EP on The BlkHeart Group.  Pillars was well loved by Perez's fans, so much so that he chose to record another EP.  MPHC was released on Jan. 17 and welcomed with positive reviews.  

This new EP outshines Pillars with three original tracks from Perez as well as his take on the classic song "Last Kiss," made famous by Pearl Jam in 1999.  The first track on MPHC was the first single released from the album.  "Just Smile" epitomizes Perez's message and morals.  The lyrics suggest he is speaking to a friend who is down because of peer pressure and words of discouragement from those around him/her.  He sings, "so please, don't change, especially not for them./Let them say what they want 'cause their stuck there and you're moving on."  

An original ballad from Perez is "Letters to No One (I'll Find You)," the second track on the EP.  On this song, he sings about finding his one true love someday:   

"Have I known you my whole life?/Am I searching for someone in front of me the whole time or have I had to meet you?/'Cause every day that goes by brings me that much closer to you."

Anyone who has ever looked for love can relate to the words Perez sings on this beautiful ballad.  The struggle to find to one person you are meant to spend your life with is one often written about in music.  However, the struggle is rarely worded as bluntly and as honestly as Perez has done here.  

The last original track on MPHC is "Team Train Wreck." This song's melodic lines are reminiscent of "Spare Me" from Perez's first EP.  Long, winding melodies make up most of the track.  Using these lines, Perez showcases his tenor voice. The lyrical content is a nice balance between love, faith, and hope, all three often found in his music.  

Finally, there's Perez's take on "Last Kiss."  Perez recorded this song for his parents, two people who have supported him in his career.  The teenage tragedy song from the 1960s is perfectly suited for Perez's voice.  The melody fits his range and style nicely.  Matched with Perez is only a guitar and a shaker.  The minimalistic approach to the classic is perfect to finish out the EP from Perez.  

Mike Perez may be the vocalist for a melodic hardcore band from Southern California, but his acoustic EP MPHC is one that a broad range of music lovers can enjoy.    

Photo Credits: facebook.com/mikeperezmusic

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