Singer/songwriter Nick Peay’s ‘Sobering’ is about just what you think it would be – facing your demons and being honest with yourself on decisions and life choices. The result of his five-song EP is a strong showing of brave lyrics and great American rock and roll music beds.
In “Put This Bottle Down” the cool, electric guitar opening sounds just like a steel door slamming against a grand, solid oak bar. It reminded me of Steve Earle and his Americana-rock-country orchestrations. Peay’s voice is strong and could fall somewhere between John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls), Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty) or even one of the many vocalists at the helm of Foreigner over the years.
“Every Morning” is a song that really moves the listener to a different reality – he still opens with that steel-enforced guitar, and wobbles between an adult contemporary and rock genre. It’s a fine song, but at times the guitar is distracting.
The standout song for me on the EP is “I Won’t Fall In Love.” It all comes together for Peay on this track – he seems to come from behind a cloak with his vocals and elevates his voice. The lyrics are painfully honest and it’s as if he’s brushing aside the powerful guitar and pesky percussions to say ‘I got this.’
The title track and a reprise of “Put This Bottle Down” round out the rest of collection. At times the title track can be unnerving, and I felt pity. I felt cold and my mind spinning with emotions at each clank and clack.
Overall, ‘Sobering’ is an interesting listen. It’s a good place to visit, but not one that I’d like to consistently live … I found little positively in my mood while listening, but hey, that’s Peay’s point. He’s a strong lyricist and his voice channels his words with integrity and nuances of a seasoned rocker.