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 NICK HEXUM – Full Memories (SKP Records)
A walk down memory lane is being taken by 311's lead singer, Nick Hexum, on his second solo EP. This heart-wrenching yet soothing collection of music features five country rock tracks chronicling the trials and tribulations of a man who moved to California to pursue his dream of stardom but missed his midwestern roots, and pays homage to them throughout this soul-bearing EP.
A flood of emotion pours out in the calming track “Just to See You Smile,” which features soulful vocals and soothing country rock melodies that sound like ocean waves are crashing down on a beach on a warm, sunny day. It's a heartwarming tale about a happy man who is enjoying life’s simple pleasures away from the hectic spotlight of the music business, with a beautiful wife who keeps him grounded.
The sunshine and the ocean waves of L.A. give way to stormy skies in the anxiety-ridden “Careless,” which features gritty vocals and rustic country-rock melodies. This track is an eerie tale about a restless man who is confused about what to do with his life yet has visions of stardom running through his head.
This flood of emotion comes to an excruciating end as Nexum’s heart screams for a dose of peace, as his meteoric rise to stardom suddenly comes crashing down in the painful track, “California,” which features raspy vocals and fluttering country rock melodies that hit like a cold, stinging rain. It is a haunting yet reflective tale about a heartbroken man who as achieved fame as a musician while enjoying the “perks” that come with it, suddenly becomes an introvert because everyone around him wants a “piece-of-the-pie.” Nexum mourns losing his true identity and pines to return to the simple life of the Midwest where everyone quietly goes about their daily lives without the glitz and glamour of Southern California.
Nick Hexum is a brilliant artist who displays his vulnerable side by moving away from the the fast-paced and vibrant sound of 311 on this solo effort, where he tests the waters of mellow country rock with this passionate EP, focusing on the sweet and bitter side of success. This is one beautiful story.
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