Derek Sanders, the lead vocalist of American rock band Mayday Parade, has announced his solo EP entitled “The Heavy Box” for next month. The EP features five tracks that showcase Sanders’ versatility as a musician, exploring different sounds and styles while still maintaining his signature emotive and heartfelt lyrics.
The EP opens with the title track “Home,” which lets you know what to expect from the rest of the album with its acoustic guitar and Sanders’ soulful vocals. The song is a melancholic reflection on the burdens we carry in life and the struggle to let them go. The lyrics are introspective and relatable, touching on themes of regret and self-doubt.
The second track, “With You On The Ground,” features guest vocals from pop-punk artist Mike Hanson of Goodbye Love. The song is a catchy pop-rock anthem that shows how life is not easy and how having people by your side can make it easier. The chorus is particularly infectious, with a memorable melody that is sure to get stuck in your head.
“True Story Of The Boy Whose Exploits Panicked A Nation” is the next track on the EP. The song is a soulful acoustic song that highlights Sanders’ vocal range and emotive delivery. The arrangement is simple but effective, allowing the lyrics to shine through.
The EP’s fourth track, “Howell Canyon,” is perhaps its most experimental. The song features a prominent electronic beat and a more atmospheric sound than the rest of the album. The lyrics are cryptic but intriguing, with a sense of unease and uncertainty that matches the song’s instrumentation.
The EP closes with “For Dear Life,” which features former band member Jason Lancaster, making this song the first recording of both men since 2007 when Lancaster left Mayday Parade. Both vocals from each come together perfectly with the slow piano to highlight each voice.
Overall, “The Heavy Box” is a solid EP that showcases Derek Sanders’ talents as a musician and songwriter. The album is a departure from Mayday Parade’s typical sound, exploring different styles and genres while still retaining the emotional depth that has made Sanders such a beloved vocalist. “The Heavy Box” is a strong EP from Derek Sanders as a solo artist, and a must-listen for fans of Mayday Parade or anyone looking for heartfelt and introspective music. Sanders proves that he is a talented musician and songwriter in his own right, and I look forward to seeing what he will create in the future.
The Heavy Box EP is out 14th April on Rise Records