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Reviewed by Ania Glowacz

Ryan Johansen: The Balladeer and the Mountain EP

Reviewed by Ania Glowacz

Ryan Johansen: The Balladeer and the Mountain EP

Predominantly just voice and acoustic guitar, this is gentle, folky, slightly country outings across all five tracks, with a bit of a rock out on Japanese Girl. The other song titles indicate the simple reflective nature of the material – No Time For Keeping, Across An Ocean, Come Away With Me, All My Roads. Nelson singer/songwriter Ryan Johansen has a voice that’s easy to listen to, with no particular invitation to say anything positive or negative. Whilst it’s unclear how long he’s been doing this, his is a natural style – unforced and mellow. When he plays out he performs both originals and covers, such as those of Ben Harper. It’s great that he’s released some of his original material. Recorded at Lions Den Sound Studio in Nelson, this is both local and universal at the same time.