The Coming and The Leaving

by Barrett Myers

Track listing: Boxes, Fireflies, Sweet Breeze, Portland, Seasons Change, Wind

Barrett Myers' six song EP, The Coming and The Leaving shows off some true originality from this singer/songwriter out of West Lafayette, Indiana. Barrett’s style approaches that of Relient K, Switchfoot, and Mat Kearney. The EP is filled with memorable hooks and catchy melodies, especially those set against his upbeat acoustic tempos.

Barrett has a handful of whole-hearted ballads about life, adoration, and exploration. A listener is able to connect with his lyrics in so many levels. Take “Boxes”—if you dissect the lyrics, he is about to make a journey to a whole new location.

Springtime comes today,
A new life found in a land far away
Friends and family are here to celebrate,
Unpack your lives as we pack it all away

“Sweet Breeze” expresses adoration for a special someone, with a complementary background of Barrett's acoustic guitar and some bongos playing along in the background. Another track, “Portland,” might be interpreted with several different meanings, depending upon why you think one might venture to that fair city.

We’ll take Interstate 90 out to Ritzville
And head Southwest to Kennewick and 84
The river runs downhill from there to Portland
Where we’ll find what we’re looking for

What defines Barrett’s originality has to be his vocals, which are difficult to compare to others—his voice is at once robust, sweet, and endearing. All in all, The Coming and The Leaving is a gratifying record, with enriched ballads about life, love, and adventures to which most everyone can relate.

Posted on 2/27/13