Recorded at County Q, Nashville, ‘The Girls From Cedarhurst’ is the new EP from alt country/alternative rock artist, Seneko. Released on February 17 via Torrez Music, the record is guitar-focused rock, with Seneko bringing to the fore seasoned songwriting and strong production.
The fifth EP from the artist, it contains 5 tracks, with Stan “Seneko” Olshefski’s sound described as, “think country meets Radiohead” (Wail Music Magazine) and Huffington Post comparing his sound to Gin Blossoms.
Seneko however cites among his inspirations the sound of Lou Reed, Coldplay, Wilco, and The Jayhawks, and this influence is evident especially with track 3, ‘Sugartime’, which, if you told me was a deep cut Lou Reed track, I wouldn’t batt an eyelid.
Even given this is his 5th EP, it’s possible to hear Seneko’s sonic growth, while his arrangements are multi-layered and complex, and his lyrics will find a home with most listeners.
Produced by Mike Purcell, Paul Scholten, and Seneko himself, the EP comes out of the gate fast and furiously, electric guitar and languid vocals blending seamlessly on the title track. There’s a certain macabre vibe to the track, and it’s easy to conjure up visions of the students of a private girls’ school – confident, hockey sticks and tennis rackets in hand, with a look in their eyes that doesn’t just challenge, but also vaguely threatens the listener.
Speaking of the inspiration for his EP, Seneko says,
“I had been listening to a lot early Grunge and Punk. As I began writing I realized I wanted to be more experimental with the melodies and arrangements and that process kept evolving right into the studio during the recording. I had a hand in producing along with Mike Purcell and Paul Scholten. I also worked with the same players as the last record lead by the guitar genius, Jon Conley.Â
The title track was co-written with an old friend, Rod Thorn. It’s the only co-write I’ve ever released. Rod is a brilliant biographer, speechwriter and playwright. One day over coffee I started sharing ideas with him about the song and he just jumped in. I’m a word guy. I always start with an idea, a title or random words. The melody kind of shows up. There’s a long backstory to the mysterious place called Cedarhurst. It will remain a semi-secret so that listeners can make it be whatever they want.
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The next two tracks, “Motus est Magicae” and “Sugartime” really blossomed in the studio. The writing and melody didn’t change but the sonic effects along with the bgvs took some fun unexpected turns. The last two tracks are more straightforward “Seneko.”
Of the five EPs I’ve done, this one was the most fun to do and I hope that comes through.”
You can stream ‘The Girls of Cedarhurst’ on Spotify. Find out more about Seneko and his music online on his official website, Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram.
