Chet Faker

Thinking in Textures

Released: May 22, 2012

Label: Downtown Records

Review by: Austin Tucker

People have waited with bated breath for Nick Murphy’s (aka Chet Faker) after getting a taste of his cover of Blackstreet’s “No Diggity.” His smooth voice floats symbiotically over what many would describe as electro-soul. Citing influences ranging from Chet Baker (where he derives his stage name from), Jamie Lidell, Flying Lotus, and Aretha Franklin; it is easy to hear why he was able to jump to the number one spot on the Hype Machine music charts over Bon Iver’s new song “Calgary.” He played for his first time in America at the SXSW festival in Austin, TX where he was met with critical acclaim as one of the must-see artists of the week. Though this EP is brief, the listener can savor every moment of this enjoyable record as each song releases into the next. First time listeners should direct attention to the opener “I’m Into You,” as well as his exceptional cover of “No Diggity.” Upon a second listen, I would recommend tuning into the instrumental “Cigarettes and Chocolate” and the bluesy “Solo Sunrise.”