The EP's '92-'94

Once David Gray finally became a household mainstay on the radio and on VH1, this incredible singer/songwriter received overdue props with a sold-out tour and the reissue of his first four albums. Caroline Records also participated by releasing this rare collection of combined EP tracks showcasing Gray's early period of musical bleakness. The EP's 92-94 comprises Gray's first three U.K. singles from A Century Ends and extra bonus tracks. Songs such as "L's Song" and "Brick Walls" are delicately woven around signature acoustics and Gray's gritty howl. "The Rice" is a bit more upbeat with glossy bass loops cradling Gray's strumming, but optimism shines with plucking mandolin riffs for an Irish tinge. "Coming Down" from Gray's second album Flesh is beaming with heartfelt emotion internally churning due to Gray's personal hardships with the music industry during the mid-'90s. It's a solid collection, but only for the most dedicated fans. The majority of the songs selected are found on his first two albums, but having videos for "Shine" and "Wisdom" also makes this inviting compilation more worthy.