S J Denney’s “Happy Ever After” EP is a masterful blend of introspection and musical innovation, offering listeners a rich and rewarding experience. The opening track, “Welcome Home,” sets a reflective tone with its gentle acoustic arrangement, enhanced by the delicate timbre of an ocarina—a nod to Denney’s diverse musical influences.
“Friends and Lovers” stands out with its Afrobeat-inspired rhythms, showcasing Denney’s appreciation for global music traditions and adding a vibrant pulse to the EP. The complexity deepens with “According to You,” a sprawling composition that gradually builds, enriched by an array of instrumentation, positioning it as a soft yet confident anthem.
The EP culminates with “A Lucky Escape (Parts 1 & 2),” an ambitious track that explores themes of transformation and freedom with a cinematic sweep, evoking echoes of Pink Floyd’s multi-faceted storytelling. The hidden title track, “Happy Ever After,” is a minimalist piano composition that feels like a reflective epilogue, carrying a cinematic quality as if scoring the credits of a deeply personal film.
Denney’s self-production shines throughout the EP, with most of the recording done in the cabin at his old house and the remaining parts in the study of his new home, adding a personal touch to the project. The EP was mixed by Mat Leppanen at The Animal Farm and mastered by Nigel Palmer at Lowland Masters, ensuring a polished and cohesive sound.
“Happy Ever After” is a testament to S J Denney’s growth as an artist, pushing his boundaries while staying true to his core as a storyteller. Each track feels like a chapter in a larger narrative, blending introspection with musical exploration. For fans of heartfelt, genre-blurring songwriting, this EP is a rich and rewarding listen.
