Review - Erik Hassle - Somebody's Party EP

I became a fan of Erik Hassle the minute I heard his first single “Hurtful”, an inexplicably catchy pop gem released back in 2008. Since then, I’ve found his music slightly less appealing, but only a personal level. Hassle is still extremely talented, and I’m always excited when he releases new music.

‘Somebody’s Party’ is a genuinely interesting collection of six songs (including the title track), all of which see the Swedish redhead exploring new sonic territory. Where “Hurtful” was a piano-driven pop tune, everything on his latest EP sounds like it was made for a hip hop record.

Don’t worry, Hassle isn’t rapping, but give it a try and tell me Kanye isn’t going to find some inspiration on this for his next album. The instrumental works well with the well-paced songwriting and falsettos left and right. Opener “Pathetic” actually sounds like it’s a rewriting of Muse’s “Madness”.

So, while this isn’t the Erik Hassle that I’m used to--or asked for--it’s a well produced EP, and worth the listen.

Listen to: “Pathetic”, “What Is He Like”, “Somebody’s Party”