Guy Pek – Mixed Messages (digital EP)

After touring and recording with a wide array of bands, drummer and songwriter Guy Pek now releases the first solo EP under his own name. ‘Mixed Messages’ was written and recorded in lockdown, and Pek played all the instruments himself. He also produced and mixed the whole thing. The result is versatile EP consisting of 5 songs, varying in style but held together by Guy’s recognizable voice and his attention to detail, which makes the use of a broad set of instruments and sometimes hectic rhythmic parts lock together.

Guy is a very introverted person, and all the songs on the EP deal with the sense of discrepancy he experiences living in an extroverted society. Questions like: ‘how do I build relationships without losing freedom?’ And ‘how do I stay sane with all these incentives around me?’ play a central role in the lyrics.

In terms of songwriting Guy draws inspiration from the late Elliott Smith, though in his production we hear a touch of the Motown era and the use of African percussion, reminiscent of Graceland by Paul Simon. Sometimes Pek’s melodies take a turn, and we can hear the echo of Frank Zappa, and to a lesser degree Steely Dan.

Songs:
1. Mixed Messages
2. Here. Now.
3. Headphones On
4. Seventh Row
5. INTJ