John Joseph Travels Challenging Yet Rewarding Paths With His “Road Songs” EP
Letting people into your heart is an act of courage that challenges our instinct to protect ourselves. It’s about embracing the messiness of connection and recognizing that vulnerability can lead to profound joy and personal growth. Even beyond relationships, life’s journey often presents us with opportunities to open ourselves up to experience all that freedom has to offer in this chaotic world, where the only thing that can hold us back is our own fear and uncertainty. This is largely the narrative arch in John Joseph’s newest EP, “Road Songs.”
From Cedar Grove, New Jersey, John leads a talented band featuring Harry Smith on drums, Gabe Paiano on guitar, and Finn Carroll on bass. Their paths crossed at The New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, where they bonded over a shared passion for crafting unique sounds and narratives, as expressed in their newest EP release.
“Road Songs” holds many wonders and textures, starting with the gentle acoustic opening strums of “Queen of My Nightstand,” offering a perfect glimpse into John’s distinctive vocals—echoing a bit of Jack White—and the incredibly infectious indie rock sound that the band meticulously crafts.
One of the band’s greatest strengths lies in Harry Smith’s dynamic drumming, which shines in “Adored,” where the rhythms grow increasingly complex. However, the rest of the band is equally essential; the acoustic guitar often takes the spotlight, particularly in the country sounds of “Strange” or the folk-inspired closing track, “Ever After.”
By embracing vulnerability and creating music that resonates, John Joseph and his band remind us of the beauty found in connection and an open mind, both in life and in their art. While opening up invites the risk of heartache, it also creates space for genuine relationships that enrich our lives. This delicate balance between fear and trust makes the journey worthwhile, reminding us that true intimacy often lies just beyond our self-imposed emotional quarantines.