Kevin Kelpin channels atmospheric Desert Rock vibes on EP, "Song Dog, Pt. 1"
With Song Dog, Pt. 1, Kevin Kelpin delivers an EP that feels sun baked, soulful, and quietly cinematic, the kind of record that seeps in after multiple listens. Rooted in high desert grooves and driven by a genuine rock and roll heart, this five song release plays like a late afternoon drive through Joshua Tree with the wind blowing right on through your hair. It’s music built to stir both the body and the mind, grounded in physical rhythm but rich with a ton of emotion.
Now based in Joshua Tree after years immersed in the Los Angeles music scene, Kelpin sounds like an artist who has absorbed the lessons of collaboration and studio craft and distilled them into something more personal. His genre-blurring approach is fully realized here, blending pulsing beats with plenty of soulful acoustic textures and lyricism that makes you stop in your tracks and think. The desert rock influence is unmistakable, not as a costume but as an atmosphere that hangs over the entire project. It’s the bends in the guitars, the sweeping production, and little touches that make you feel like you’re there.
Across its 24 and a half minute runtime, the EP maintains a cohesive arc while still allowing each song to stand on its own. There’s a passion and sincerity running through the record that never feels performative. Kelpin’s vocals carry a deep sense of soul, especially on the opener “Now”, but also on “Solace” which was a major standout for us. He sings like someone who has spent time listening as much as speaking, and that attentiveness gives the whole EP such an organic feel from start to finish.
The production deserves special attention. There’s these subtle effects and textural flourishes that appear throughout, adding depth without ever taking away from the song’s core moments. These small little details really stood out to us for what makes the record great. Sure, the instrumentation is glowing, but it’s those details you pick up on subsequent listens that really make you say “WOW”!
Each track feels distinct, yet they still connect seamlessly, unified by a very specific tone, mood, or intention. He’s not chasing trends or overextending his ideas. Instead, he trusts the strength of his songwriting and the emotional weight of restraint. Considering there’s a “Part 1” attached to the EP’s name, we can only assume that more is in the works and on the way.
You better believe we’re excited for whatever’s next because this record was phenomenal. Go ahead and click those links below to listen in, follow along, and of course to stay tuned for whatever’s next. Enjoy!
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