Delicate piano and an airy rhythmic push allows one to drift into “Crazy For Your Love,” which kicks off the Big Dogs EP from Jacob Sullenger, a.k.a. Johnny Utah, available via Z Tapes Records. Toggling between bright falsetto and introspective, spoken, behind-the-scenes asides, the song hovers in a slinky, playful manner, as intermediate trumpet blasts breathe fresh air into the mix. It’s followed by “Folding Like Honey,” which creeps in a funky, key-oriented, night-time groove. The soft, secretive delivery of the vocals rides over the sirens of the streets. It’s a brief confessional track of infatuation, shown through pops of neon light, while “Really Meant” builds drama & warmth in a strolling, vamping headspace. “Patty” is instantly dipped in a deep R&B/funk tone. The song is a candid manner of reaching out, revealing one’s feelings in the hopes that they will be reciprocated or a relationship rekindled. At the same time, the smooth flow of that instrumental elixir induces movement on the dance floor. Album closer, “Skytop Garden,” opens with an encouraging message, draped over a mellow, jazz sample of the classic “Blue Moon,” which is kicked up by the backbeat. Featuring SCALISI, the recording creates a soulful, musical dialogue that serves as a snapshot of an earnest love story. With the EP clocking in at about 12 minutes, one becomes easily immersed in Sullenger’s experimental, bedroom-pop world, which is definitely worth revisiting. – Michael Colavita
