Michael Baker - “Freak”

Michael Baker must be doing something right since this is the third time he’s been featured on the blog. And once you hear his new single, “Freak,” we’re quite certain that you’ll fall in love with his sound for the same reasons we have.

“Freak” is the title track from Baker’s new EP, which delves into the depths of ADHD and depression– this could be why we feel so drawn to his music, as its subject matter often tends to strike closely to home. This song catches your attention rather quickly, with its acoustic drums, riding the toms beneath some vibrantly-plucked, dreamy electric guitar. Synthy strings make an appearance, setting a rather cinematic backdrop for the vocals to enter.

Baker has a brilliant voice, and we are always pleased with the raw honesty of his delivery; instead of relying on modern production wizardry, he lets his emotion be the guide, hitting every note and leaving us to soak in every word. And for the first third of the production, the listener floats in a stripped-back wonderland of Baker’s elaborate storytelling.

After about a minute and twenty seconds, the dynamic suddenly shifts to a tighter and more deliberate groove, which is the precise point that we knew we wanted to feature it on the blog. If you take time to concentrate on the lyrics, you will find more than enough introspection to last you through the weekend, if that’s your thing (it’s our thing), but the important thing to remember is that “time goes by like a freak.”

You’re going to want to press play on “Freak” asap– do it for the ‘70s-infused moments of flavor that line this lovely tune as it rides the edge of indie folk, or simply do it because your soul hungers for good music, but do it all the same.

-TM