"Commodore" by August Gladstone: EP Review

Stand-out Track: "Priestess"

“Commodore” is a collection of folk-inspired sounds brimming with rich vocals and genius lyricism. “Nevermore, Nevermind” snatches attention with a modern spin on older music. This track begins with hopeful strings and a jumpy bassline, inviting August to rip through the soundscape with a memorable enthusiasm that establishes character. Masterful vocal inflection contributes to a fiery delivery that softens with core verses. “Nevermore, Nevermind” promotes a far away nostalgia speckled with a modern language flair. With this standard, August showcases clever lyricism laced with alliteration, allusion, and the complexities of literary poetry. The beginning of “Commodore” is the intelligent, fresh folk twist we needed. 

“The Sun & The Scepter" is the second track of August’s new EP, and it is ultra-soothing. With the tones of a lullaby, the rhythm of a love song, and the elements of traditional folk music, August combines styles to create an incomparable sound. Robust vocals seep into plucked strings with a focus on meaningful lyrics and thoughtful sound patterns. Imaginative storytelling brightens this gradual song with unmatched originality. 

The third song on “Commodore” graces listeners with a perfect balance between the solemn and the unserious. “Priestess” begins with an unsuspecting introduction alongside August’s impressive grasp on wordplay and language. Metaphors dance throughout this track with the twang of a circular rhythm that compliments August’s tranquil voice. 

“Filomena” takes a shell made of folk and old country and fills it with a reincarnation of those genres. Between the deep vocals and familiar themes, August revisits the oldies with a smooth confidence. “Filomena” is reminiscent of something like Marty Robbins’ “El Paso” with a modern twist that distinguishes vocals through clean production and busier soundscapes.  

Track five on “Commodore” is a silky echo of longing called “Mira”. After showcasing the bravado of “Nevermore, Nevermind”, “Mira” is a change of pace. Though one of the more plush tracks of the EP, “Mira” tugs hearts with a magnetic yearning that burns listeners with original, somber lyrics. August cushions his vocals under the weight of Mira's departure. Persistent strings carry his voice throughout the track to communicate the consistent longing for Mira. This track is devastating, but beautiful. 

The last track of the EP, “You and Me”, begins with daunting acoustics and deep vocals. The song picks up with a flick of thin strings, followed by a tambourine that offers a sense of urgency. The variation of instruments throughout the EP are exciting, as well as the fluctuations in character, lyricism, and sound. “You and Me” communicates a sense of existential doom with an account of a mismatched couple who thought they could be different- if they weren’t themselves. 

From his unique sound, down to cover art on his EP, August is creating something cohesive. He is crafting music that should be savored- it’s not a compulsory hit that pleases algorithms, it’s an artful assortment of essential lyrics layered with familiar sounds to foster authenticity. With a tinge of hilarity, August remains playful in a cut-throat industry to preserve credibility. 

August Gladstone is inspired by 60s & 70s folk and plays across California and New York. He released his first single, “Mira” in June, along with EP “Commodore” this July. August is also a Woodstock-Byrdcliffe Guild Artist in Residence as of 2025. His voice is dynamic alongside remarkable lyric poetry that sets him apart from other artists. We are so excited to see what he does next- stream “Commodore” and follow August Gladstone on his socials linked below!

For more of August Gladstone:

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By Paradoccs Blog

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