Katikati-based songwriter Dan Sharp, is back with his 2021 EP ‘Water Went Away.’ After the success of his Debut EP ‘Slack Tide’, Dan’s newest offer shows growth. The project is cohesive and listeners can expect excellent insight into who Dan is as an artist. His storytelling is honest and his sound is authentic. 

‘Water Went Away’ starts off strong with the lead single The Way That We Used To. The track comes with a gorgeous video showing off New Zealand’s one-of-a-kind landscapes. The song sets the tone for what is to come. Dan has always had the ability to be deeply personal but still accessible to listeners, The Way That We Used To is no different. This record feels like positive growth for Dan, his vocals have never sounded better and any song that makes you want to cry, dance and belt out is a total win.

Louisiana is a smart choice for the second track. The story of a love lost is explored more in-depth but this time Dan creates a feeling of moving forward “Stuck staring at a fork in the road, so many places I could go” and places he does go on Brighter Skys. Dan experiments with a horn section on this track which pays off. It gives the EP its peak and captures the sound of hope and reconciliation. 

The final two tracks Little Fires and By Your Hand prove that Dan Sharp’s voice is equally as comfortable in a small candle-lit bar as it is a stadium. While Little Fires conjures up an image of slow dancing at a woodshed party, By Your Hand is screaming to be played for thousands of arm-swaying fans. It is clear that Dan has big aspirations and this EP proves he has the skills and talent to fulfil his dreams.