James Linck Creatively Mixes His Songwriting with His Father's Book on New EP "Stamping"

James Linck Creatively Mixes His Songwriting with His Father’s Book on New EP “Stamping”

James Linck has lyrics to share on self discovery, through his newest EP “Stamping,” which is named after his father’s 1986 novel “Stamping Out Murder.” This EP fearlessly blends lo-fi rock sounds with soul music, while threading in short interludes of his father reading favorite passages from the 1986 novel.

The EP was inspired by my father’s 1986 novel “Stamping Out Murder.” He’s the voice you’re hearing between the tracks. I realized that I was going to be the same age he was when it got published, so I decided to name the EP after the book. Then I reread it and found that there was actually alot of similiar themes between the novel and the songs that I’d already been putting together, so I leaned into the concept further. – James Linck

Rock the Pigeon is proud to review the record in full, track by track. The record starts off strong, with “Work Around.” Synths and a short reading passage serve as the song’s captivating introduction. We hear soulful vocals, that are effected in an artistic way. Soulful melodies, catchy riffs, and unique experimental synth bits add additional elements to this track to make it stand out further. This song is a great introduction to what’s to come next.

“Made a Rock” begins with a percussion and short reading section before moving on to energetic vocals. The electric guitar crushes it on this song, adding another layer of fun to the song. James Linck shares his poppy songwriting style vocally and musically. Soaring synths carry the song into another realm, adding an epic feel to the song when in combination with riffing distorted electric guitars.

James Linck says “Yellow Jacket” is his favorite song on the record. He says: “My favorite song is probably Yellow Jacket. It’s kind of just a collage of memories I have from the time when he was writing the novel. I was so young, so the memories almost feel dream like to me.” James Linck reminisces about his life experiences from this time. The song feels like a coming of age ballad. It has a slower feel to it, with huge buzzing synths and a steady beat at the heart of the song. The song is made complete with a magical synth line and a tone that feels quite nostalgic.

We move on to another slow ballad, “Paper Dolls.” Synths and a slow rock drum groove carry this song from start to finish. Breaks in the song add extra emotion to the songs’ delivery, making the listener fall in love with the sound that is James Linck. He sings honestly throughout the song, some of the lyrics go: “I do my own fade, I make the lines straight.” The soul of soul is given through the vocals and the electric guitar solo as the songs reaches completion.

“…perhaps someday, killing the human spirit will be considered a form of murder.”

Softly played electric pianos kick off the EP’s grand finale, “Crystal Stairs.” An R&B feel is delivered throughout this song. We have another song that is full of grand emotion, with magical sounding synths playing throughout. The EP ends as strongly as it begins, with a short reading expert from Stamping Out Murder: “…perhaps someday, killing the human spirit will be considered a form of murder.”

Listen to James Linck’s incredible EP “Stamping” on Spotify now: