With grace and precision, Nicholas James makes music with an emotional impact. The tracks on Lights On are filled by James’ voice and his guitar, but the layers developed between the two leave nothing to be missed. Primarily acoustic, Nicholas James can be likened to the stark, yet emotive style of singer/songwriters like Damien Rice or Jeff Buckley. Seamlessly, James manages to captivate through lyrical parallels of love and loss, which are expressed equally through the vocals and guitar.

“The Burning Room” is the opening track, which offers a barren and serene melody that ebbs and flows from the temperate to the impassioned. “There She Goes” begins with a menacing guitar riff that leads into a beautiful melody, reminiscent of a stripped-down version of early Dave Matthews. “See You Soon” replaces the guitar with gentle piano and sparse drum beats behind a saddened melody, sung in the spirit of Van Morrison, with illusions to the moon, distance, and time. “Sundays Best” is the last song on the EP, and it is the most upbeat track of the bunch, led by a peppy piano riff, and jazzy guitar that carry the song’s easy-listening feel out with luster.

Nicholas James is an impressive solo artist that is worth the listen, if you’re interested in uncomplicated, honest artistry.

Review by Nadia Lelutia