American folk singer/songwriter Eliot Popkin releases his latest EP “Running”, composed of relatable stories about losing people and fighting for oneself. The EP contains two songs that depict two different stories. Eliot draws from past and present folk and country singers to influence his instrumentation, melody, and vocal range.
The first song on the EP is also the name of the EP, “Running”. The song is featured twice in the EP, once in its original form, and once in a more classical approach. “Running” begins with a sound clip of a train moving on the tracks and a voice that says “all aboard”. Eliot uses traditional folk framework to introduce his EP in a captivating way that also fits very well with the genre. The chorus of the song is catchy and relatable, as it describes the emotions behind running from a broken heart. “Running” is a song that encapsulates the deep pain that one can feel in heartbreak. Eliot draws influences from traditional folk singer Bob Dylan in his vocal variation. Listening to songs by both artists side to side, there is a similarity in the way they storytell and sing in rugged and intimate voices. “Running” is a darker set song that touches on many emotions that are often seen in folk music, but also something that is more difficult to sing about.
In contrast, Eliot’s third song on the EP takes a positive spin on life’s struggles. The third song, “Fighter”, has a more folk rock tone to it, differentiating from the traditional folk portrayed in “Running”. “Fighter” is about not giving up and getting through challenges in life without feeling like a victim to the struggle. The lyrics talk about empowering oneself and pushing along to achieve goals and desires no matter how difficult it may be. The vocal range of John Mayer resonates strongly with Eliot’s range and the two share a similar layout of instrumentation. Both incorporate a rock influence while keeping the lyrics in the folk genre. Along with Mayor, Eliot also resembles Ed Sheeran’s earlier music, which fuses folk and country with a little pop. “Fighter” is an uplifting song that blends a number of genres together and inspires fans to push through and achieve their goals.
Eliot’s “Running” EP ties together love and sadness through the storytelling of traditional stories such as heartbreak and pushing through challenges. Eliot has grown to reach his audience through a more personal approach and his lyrics as relatable as they are catchy. He breaks through the folk genre barrier with his instrumentation and musicality variation, giving his fans music that they will want to play over and over again.
Stream “Running” here:
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