The Exact Same Kid has released his new EP ‘Amateur Hour’. The Exact Same Kid is the moniker of Dublin-born songwriter Alex Conroy. Initially trying his hand as a folk musician, Alex has performed alongside acts such as The Ghandis, Clara Byrne, Apella, The Blizzards, I Have A Tribe, Cathy Davey and Neil Hannon. Ultimately growing uncomfortable with the stillness and isolation that comes from being a solo artist, the desire for a bigger sound and more collaboration led to some years of experimentation. The Exact Same Kid is the result of this, a heavier indie rock sound that still retained the lyrical focus of folk music. Recorded in the summer of 2021 with producer and sound engineer Aidan Cunningam, ‘Amateur Hour’ is about confronting your own emotions, finding out who you are and finding the strength in that knowledge.

Riding on a dense wave of sprightly indie rock with country and jazz flirtations, ‘Amateur Hour’ is a fresh and well-crafted three-track EP. With lush almost doo-wop melodies gliding above jaunty guitars and steady beats, ‘Don’t Cry’ announces the EP in a blaze of bittersweet nostalgia while ‘Butano’ blends bright indie elements with frenzied guitar embellishments and horn adornment. The songs are fun, honest and lyrically witty. Conroy manages to blend a diverse range of instruments and genres to create an EP that is satisfying and brimming with energy. Throughout each song we see Conroy flexing his musical muscles to create a sound that is refreshing and satisfying right up to the final track, ‘Blue China’. The track’s dark atmosphere exudes hypnotic qualities that brood beneath pounding drums and resounding stings on guitar while Conroy’s deep vocals croon the smooth melody. With bright tones on guitar interspersed between soft synths and jogging percussion, the song is superbly crafted.

‘Amateur Hour’ is a sublime EP laced in tight and refined musicianship. It’s a joy to the ears and boasts Conroy’s fine musical prowess.

About the EP Conroy said: “I don’t think I’m alone in having turned to music for answers at some stage in my life. Amateur Hour is definitely not for that. It’s about saying I might not have the answers, but I have the same questions as you do so you’re not alone. I think there’s comfort there, in being united in our confusion.”

Stream ‘Amateur Hour’ below

Author: Danu