Review: Jake Chisenhall's “Be Steel, My Heart” is an aptly titled EP full of wonder and nuance.

Atlanta local staple Jake Chisenhall has been applying his signature around for over a decade now, but their latest offering aims to bring an entire ecosystem of genres together. Be Steel, My Heart is an aptly titled EP full of wonder and nuance. The fluidity of Jake’s melodic narratives provides more than an extended play. It’s an extended world. Those familiar with Chisenhall know that the songwriting takes all kinds of whimsical turns and is filled with vibrant colors from all genres. This is no exception, but highly grounded in a way that is more personal.

“Flowers for Inez” unapologetically launches into a bossa nova with strong horn presence. The tedious care for the sound is immediately on display, and it hooks you for the entire ride to come. It’s the grand entrance music you crave when in your best dress. “Beachfront Bossa” curbs the tenacious energy, and the steel guitar begins to shine as the cornerstone that Chisenhall champions. Featuring Rose Hotel on vocals, it’s a testament to one’s ability to open collaboration to really serve a song. Jake has a great voice, but a tonal change sometimes calls for those recruitments. It’s a lovely song that begins to bring out the Hawaiian musical influence tinged under a bossa nova groove. 

Pushing the meter even farther, “Boys for the Summer” sends you back a few decades to Hawaiian inspired pop music. Cheeky in approach, the devastating nature of the lyrics are cleverly disguised inside of upbeat melodies and that lovely steel. The trends continue as the EP progresses, but that 3 song sequence is unmatched in its energy. “Lovely Hula Girl” is another love letter to those genres, but provides a more dense arrangement to amp up the emotion. The final track is a beautiful outro titled “One for Mr. Byrd”, named for Jerry Byrd. Byrd was an innovative steel player in the 50’s and 60’s credited with many songs like Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Lovesick Blues”. Keeping in line with the rest of the EP, the beautiful work on the steel provides a country aspect to the song. Byrd himself would smile upon this art, I believe. 

Be Steel, My Heart is a work of passion that provides a real timelessness to it. Featuring former bandmates, vibraphone players, and a myriad of vocals; it’s a shining example of collaboration and a cohesive vision. It doesn’t break too far from traditional sounds, but rather amplify them with a more modern take in lyrics and production. It’s a piece after my own little bumpkin heart. For those looking for more alternative and ethereal takes in country and folk music, this is a great start.