A Review of Temporary EP by Lost Films

Often unheralded are the benefits of a release being an EP. Chief among them is the ability for the set of songs to seem complete together and operate with a certain strict economy, almost like a short story. And similar to a short story, a good EP is hard to make. Jimmy Hewitt, the man behind the name Lost Films, succeeds in making a great EP with the Temporary EP

The four songs feel like a quick breath or cup of tea. It is a span of time that is passing and you are fully aware of this when you enter it, but that does not mean that it can not be enjoyable or lingering. I have found myself beginning the past two mornings by having to hear the title track, which sets the tone for the listening experience. Yes, the EP will not last that long but a lot can be found throughout the four songs.

Hewitt sings in a manner that requires a couple of listens. Each time, you enjoy re-entering the scene set by sounds (guitar, percussion, etc) that all seem to have a purpose. In particular, listening along to the guitar is very enjoyable. All of the instrumentation helps to accent the emotion and form a very soothing listening experience. Further, with each song, a mastery of making music is exemplified. Upon first listen, I found myself wanting to follow the thread and see the possible range. I now find myself feeling that way about the rest of Lost Films' discography.  

A quick read of the bandcamp article for the EP reveals that this style of making music (one man, many instruments) is Hewitt at his most pure. The outfit has released a full band album, but this approach brings him back to who he is as a musician. I find him to be a part of a budding genre of music that has yet to be named, but includes the like of Day Wave, Beach Fossils, and Surf Rock Is Dead.

All of those names convey summer and I think Lost Films fits in with them both sonically (similar approach to how a guitar can "ring" in a song) but in that shared connection. Summer is certainly a good time to discover lost films. I would say anytime is a good time to discover Lost Films. Even better, the Temporary EP is solid place to start. 

Bandcamp page

The songs:

1. Temporary
2. Assurance
3. Still Youth
4. Closer