A Journey That Feels Like Home

Eric Selby’s "Starting to Sync In" is a rare EP that lands perfectly between familiarity and novelty.

Across five tracks, Selby draws from an array of influences, blending them into something distinctly his own. The result is music that’s easy to love, but not easy to pin down.

The EP opens with "Issues", a song that starts with the kind of carefree energy you expect but there is a looseness to the rhythm, a groove that gets under your skin. Selby's ability to pair that groove with lyrics that are both humorous and introspective. It's also a fun track, a moment of self reflection wrapped up in a melody that feels like it has been part of your playlist for years.

"Wine Stains" is where the EP takes a turn into the more psychedelic. Drawing from the sounds of Sgt. Pepper’s and Pet Sounds, this song layers beautiful instrumentation like tablas and cellos. Selby doesn't take himself too seriously here, delivering lines like "I don’t need a sommelier to tell me, it’s just wine stains,” which gives the track a light, tongue-in-cheek vibe despite the deeper message about confronting personal history.

Next, "Because of You" takes us into love song territory, but not in the way you might expect. It’s not about grand gestures or overly sentimental moments. Instead it’s more of a grounded track that’s about finding a sense of stability in another person - how the right connection can help guide you through the chaos of life. With its shimmering guitars and warm vocals, it feels honest and sincere.

The musicianship on Starting to Sync In is exceptional. From Seth Rausch’s relaxed yet tight drumming to the deep groove of Luis Espaillat’s bass, the rhythm section provides the perfect backbone for the EP. Justin Ostrander’s guitar work is another highlight, adding color and texture to each track without overshadowing the mood. The combination of all these talents gives the EP its smooth, polished feel.

Of course, the production is top-notch, with Andy Walter handling the mastering. Known for his work with artists like The Beatles and David Bowie, Walter brings a clarity and warmth to the record that helps tie everything together.

Starting to Sync In is an EP that’s easy to listen to, but hard to forget. It blends funk, folk, and psychedelic influences into a sound that’s uniquely Eric Selby.

This is an EP that deserves to be heard, and it's a great reminder of why Selby is one to watch.

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