George Ezra revels in gloomy lyrics

Jaimie McDonald, Freelancer

At first listen, George Ezra sounds like another young, male and British singer-songwriter wholly focused on his sexual conquests. At second listen, Ezra has something more to offer: a unique baritone voice with a dark side, both vocally and lyrically.

Ezra, 21, is an up-and-comer out of Bristol, England. His debut album, “Wanted on Voyage,” is a 16 track romp through his love life. Many of the tracks are of the British boyfriend-material fluff, as famously employed by Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith. Ezra’s darker facets come out as hidden gems amid the imported British charm.

The more sappy songs of the album are typified by “Budapest” and “Barcelona.” Ezra first describes how he would leave his wonderful estate in Budapest behind for the woman who holds his heart. Just two tracks later, he wants to return to Barcelona for the fling he had there. The trope of place-specific tracks about leaving for love and love that has already left is tired by now. Still, Ezra makes good use of both of them.

Where Ezra really shines is on “Drawing Board.” He sharply describes how his heartache has led him to dream up strange ways to murder the woman who left him down and out. These imaginary scenarios include recommending Sweeney Todd as a hair stylist and booking a scuba diving excursion off the chilly north coast of Belgium. The melody and his voice are soulful, but the lyrics are equal parts menacing and hilarious. It’s clear that he has sharper edges—and certainly a sharper tongue—than some of his contemporaries.

Similarly, on “Leaving It Up to You,” Ezra croons that he “may wind up harming your darling.” With a gospel-inspired chorus and some funky electronically enhanced chords, Ezra simultaneously pulls off a deep sense of longing, some musical trickery and a playful permanence in the listener’s mind.

Ezra embodies the strangeness of Cosmo Jarvis, the pop sensibilities of Scouting for Girls and the melodic strengths of Hey Marseilles. In sum, Ezra’s music is totally unique, utterly weird—and definitely worth a listen.

The only place to buy the album is on Ezra’s Direct site at www.myplaydirect.com/george-ezra.com