Daniel Mustard EP

iTunes Review

If Daniel Mustard’s songs sound a little rough around the edges, that’s because they reflect the experiences of a man who lived homeless on the streets before the discovery of his talent as a singer/songwriter landed him a recording deal and a roof over his head. It was on New York City’s radio program The Opie & Anthony Show where Mustard was pulled in to perform a handful of songs – the catchy “One Day At a Time” is featured here on his self-titled EP. From the first few opening notes it’s evident that Mustard’s music is heavily influenced by rootsy contemporary acts like Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer, though he inflects more similarly to Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes, especially on the opening “Impulse to My Addiction,” a confessional ballad where he owns up to his former addictions and substance abuse. The slow burning groove of “Rats Racing” introduces some mellow festival-friendly funk into the rhythms as well as some soulful female backing vocals. Conversely, “Do Without” is a lilting ballad with a watery slide-guitar à la Ben Harper.