by Scott Roos
Our Grade: B+
British born and Saskatoon based Conor Cassidy’s debut EP entitled Being Honest offers a promising glimpse into the future of an artist with considerable potential within the Saskatchewan music scene. With its blend of indie, folk, country, and alternative rock, the EP stands as a strong debut for Cassidy, especially with its polished production and deeply personal lyrics. Yet, despite the EP’s strengths, it falls short of being fully memorable due to some repetitive elements in mood and vocal delivery.
The opening track, "Being Honest", establishes the reflective, melancholy mood that permeates much of the EP. While the song is catchy and accessible, its emotional depth feels somewhat undercut by a vocal delivery that remains cautious rather than full of the vulnerability implied by the lyrics. The sense of urgency and passion required falls just short of the intended target. The production is clean, with a radio friendly vibe, but it doesn’t push the track beyond the standard Americana crossover sound. It's easy to listen to but not particularly distinctive.
"Halloween" follows suit with more of the same melancholic energy, this time focused on the theme of lost love. The song is charming enough, but it doesn’t bring anything new to the table in terms of musical variation. This makes it feel a bit samey alongside "Being Honest", which weakens the overall flow of the EP, leaving it feeling somewhat one-note thus far.
However, "Don’t Be a Stranger" offers a welcome shift in mood. The track introduces a more upbeat rhythm and a livelier arrangement that infuses the EP with newfound energy. Cassidy’s vocals are notably more expansive here, stretching himself into his upper register which creates the illusion of earnestness especially in the chorus, where he shows a stronger emotional range. This track stands out as a highlight, showcasing Cassidy’s ability to bring both vulnerability and dynamism to his work, a balance that would serve him well in future releases.
The EP closes with "Rewind", which returns to the reflective, longing themes of the earlier tracks. While the song is solid, Cassidy does push his vocal range here, but in a more subtle, "low key" way compared to the more exuberant delivery found in "Don’t Be a Stranger". In "Rewind", the restrained vocal approach matches the introspective mood of the song, yet, again, it doesn’t quite offer the same level of contrast or emotional shift that might have given the EP a more varied texture. This quieter vocal choice adds a layer of vulnerability but also feels like a continuation of what’s come before in the opening two tracks rather than a distinct shift in tone. While it’s a fitting end to the collection, the song risks leaving the listener with a sense of repetitiveness by the time the EP concludes.
In short, Being Honest is a competent debut that highlights Conor Cassidy’s songwriting abilities and potential as a singer-songwriter. It establishes him as an artist with room to grow, and with the right creative risk-taking, he’s poised to make waves in not just the Saskatchewan scene but also Canada-wide. The EP leaves listeners curious about what his next project might bring, and there’s a sense that Cassidy is just beginning to tap into his full potential. The work presented here is just shy of Cassidy becoming a "total package" artist and he should be proud of what he's recorded here.
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