Get to know Henri Tyler at his EP release show tonight at Bourbon and Branch

Strings is Henri Tyler‘s first EP written from the perspective of a semi-seasoned Philadelphian.

The NJ native is a student at Drexel and wrote his self-titled debut about his transition into city and college life. Strings begins with the similarly titled “Pulling Strings,” a ballad carried by heavily distorted guitars, impassioned vocals of Tyler and a motif of evading the past and attempting to embrace the future. Henri Tyler is very new to The Key’s radar and all prospective fans should familiarize themselves with the soaring vocals and pop/rock wit displayed with lyrics like “Hey, you sold your soul and got away” from “The Field.”

Standout track “Disconnect” features spunky vocals that detail Tyler’s problem with getting stuck in his own head. What really makes this track stick out is the blistering electric guitar riffs that emerge midway through the song. The six-track EP ends on a somber note with “After.” The song features distorted guitars that feel very similar to the rest of the record, except “After” showcases softer vocals from Tyler that serve as a perfect send-off to listeners- which is made very apparent in the final line “And I’ve tried to go back once or twice. So people, here’s my advice: It’s alright.”

Tyler is playing a record release show Saturday night at Bourbon and Branch with fellow Philly artists Stellarscope and The Cultour along with out-of-towners Sadhound. Portions of the night’s proceeds are supporting the Selke Scholarship fund for Drexel students. Go to the WXPN Concert Calendar for more information and you can listen to the whole EP and watch the video for “Subway Thoughts” below.