This debut EP from Christchurch musician and poet Brett Clark is five tracks of alt-country pop that state his musical intentions. ‘Streets Of Eden’ is commercial, pleasant and laid-back, with appeal for a large audience. But it doesn’t stretch any artistic boundaries and is nothing we haven’t heard elsewhere.

The EP starts well with the title track having a ring of Ryan Adams to it, and single Emmeline, which is country-rock with an urgent rhythm. Emmeline has had some exposure, appearing on local radio playlists. However, from here it becomes somewhat pedestrian, with familiar singer-songwriter sounds and structures, though Hold The Line has a pretty, interesting melodic line. A folk influence creeps into these tracks as well, though Clark’s vocal delivery is careful, and not as relaxed as I would have expected in this style of music. Recorded at York Street with production by Ben King, ‘Streets Of Eden’ has enough material to give a taste of what Brett Clark can do, but misses a chance in not providing anything that stands out as the work of a gifted artist.