When tough times arise, you can either grin and bear it or resign yourself to circumstance. On his debut EP, “Seismic,” singer-songwriter David Bayless’ lyrical style can be described as poetically pessimistic. As a whole, Bayless is a storyteller with a penchant for highlighting a more cynical outlook, but in a visceral manner.
Do not be swayed by the warm and happy, plucky acoustics of the opening, title track. Instead, “Seismic” is a ballad for existential futility. Summed up in one line, “playing tug of war in a house that burns,” Bayless alludes to fighting for leverage when there’s nothing left to gain. At the same time, “Seismic” begins by hinting at the hazards of dreams and the naivety thereof.
In part, “Exoskeleton” is about wanting to become a brand new person on the outside. But, there’s also the stubbornness of ambition to contend with. Through “Exoskeleton,” Bayless expresses how what we seek can feel out of our reach, but can also become something so glorified to ourselves as well.
Carried by vapory vocals, tempered acoustic tension and accents of a harmonic breeze, “Icarus” is all about fate. More so, how our paths can be destined to cross in the most disastrous and, possibly, fatal ways possible. On this track, Bayless spins the tale of two people seemingly fated to collide. All in all, “Icarus” asks if we are in control of our fate or merely passengers waiting for the crash.
If every cloud has a silver lining, “Seismic” is the gray mist keeping your expectations in check. That being said, David Bayless is a captivating lyricist, tapping into tribulation and churning out a delightfully poignant style.
Written by Travis Boyer
FOLLOW DAVID BAYLESS:
