Actor and musician John Zdrojeski celebrates his New England heritage with his EP Nor’easter I.

By Graeme Smith

Currently based in New York City, USA, John can be found performing as Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby on Broadway.

Nor’easter I is the first of a trilogy of EPs that John will be releasing over the next eighteen months. It tells stories that are neither fiction nor non-fiction and full of characters with a longing for something.

The EP is named for John’s upbringing in the Northeast of America yet it opens on the other side of the country with California, Pick Me Up. A bright yet mournful instrumental sets the early tone while John’s expressive vocals instantly capture our attention with their unique style. A folksy verse gives way to a full rock chorus and we know we’re going to be in for something special with this EP.

Daisy swaggers along with big riffs and vibrant keys. It combines the anthemic qualities of Springsteen, The Killers and The 1975 to create something bigger than the sum of its part, while its romantic, storytelling lyrics will stick with you. It’s a highlight.

War-torn strips things back to a more acoustic sound without losing any of the emotion and energy introduced so far. Carrol Gardens 1984 is a moody number rich with synths and bittersweet nostalgia. Everything Says It’s So closes the EP with a rousing moment. Urgent drums set the early pace before a cantering folk rock anthem sets in. It perfectly rounds off the album’s themes by bringing them to the fore in the chorus.

John’s new EP is exceptional. His way of weaving tales and channelling classic rock influences mean he’s a force to be reckoned with in the musical world. His work on the stage and in the recording studio shows he’s truly a man of many talents.

Nor’easter I is out now and you can check it out below.