“Lawrence Lanahan” EP (2004)

This self-titled, six-song EP was released in 2004. First-person ballads, stripped-down arrangements, with a guest appearance from members of bluegrass band Smooth Kentucky.

Pick it up at CD Baby.

Here are some reviews:

Bret McCabe, Baltimore City Paper (May 2004):

Baltimore-based singer/songwriter and guitarist Lawrence Lanahan leans toward intricately finger-picked melodies of a country-blues flavor, and it lends his self-titled debut CD EP a backwoods expanse.

Bob Frapples, Music Monthly (April 2005):

Finally, a singer-songwriter with the guts to breathe some life into an otherwise stagnant genre. Chilling chord progressions merge with haunting Buckley-esque vocals to create a new sound that’s deeply rooted in the finer moments of 70’s acoustica. This disk will absolutely stay in the CD changer… While Lanahan’s peers are sifting through David Gray’s coffee grinds looking for the essence of his brilliance, Lanahan is content to distill his own home brew. In the process, he’s creating his own genre, but will anyone else have the guts to join him?

Georgiana Cohen, Splendid (September 2004):

Lanahan proves his mettle as a storyteller here…

Peter Bate, Americana UK (May 2004):

“6 out of 10” — In just over 25 minutes Lawrence Lanahan delivers enough melodic and lyrical invention to suggest that a full-length album will be well worthy of investigation.

Ryan Hoffer, Shut Eye Records, Atlanta, GA:

Much like the eccentric “rurality” of Iron and Wine or Crooked Fingers, Lawrence Lanahan crafts a sound unmistakably American, steeping in tradition while yearning to arrive somewhere outside the canon of folk aesthetic. Whether employing wit, emotion, or bizarre narration, he commands his music with rare honesty and power.

J Max G, WMUC 88.1 FM, University of Maryland:

A DIY release of pleasant indie pop from Baltimore, which features some folky finger pickin’ and country twang in the guitars & some clever lyrics. A fine release that deserves some airplay.

Common Grounds, Arlington, VA (May 2004):

…Baltimore’s Lawrence Lanahan, an acoustic performer of intricately picked guitar work and melodious, thoughtful songs.

Greg Yost, Music Monthly (November 2003):

Even though Lanahan is also a member of the jazz/funk band Juicebox, he proves that his range is not limited to those areas. From the pretty instrumental “Blackfish Creek” to the quirky folk of “Weddings and Engagements,” Lanahan impresses at every turn. With a voice and vocal delivery similar to indie folk artist Mason Jennings, he offers a unique sound to the local scene.

Danny Rowe, Left Off The Dial (August 2004):

Really you’re asking for trouble doing folk songs nowadays…

All Music Guide (May 2004):

…reflective…with…on…2004…whimsical…Cockburn…running…good press…it…the…debut…