Drawing Mazes provides solace through the genial and diverse EP "Sunday Morning Pancakes."

Consistency in art can be a good thing, and contrary to mainstream opinion, so can inconsistency. That's what the singer-songwriter Drawing Mazes wants to prove with his creative direction: in his newest effort "Sunday Morning Pancakes," the indie alias has remained resolute on experimentation, but not at the sake of needless musical complexity— instead, the core message of this project boils down to the how uncertain life can be. Amidst the constant flux that reality puts us all through, Drawing Mazes wants us to be grateful for the otherwise trivial things we take for granted; in this case, it's something like cozy pancakes. Short and varying by the minute, the EP carries deeper sentiments within its individualistic tracks.

Chicago-based Chris Pusinelli has long ties with making music, although it was not until a few years ago that his commitment resolved in the creation of the aforementioned moniker. Last year, we talked about his eponymous EP in a review; its theme isn’t far off from today's EP, emphasizing to take a breather in an overwhelming world. Sourcing inspiration from bedroom-pop and indie music, Drawing Mazes let these instrumentals be vessels of personal feelings and experiences, going beyond superficial catchiness and imparting them with emotional depth ("Patient and Gracious" was a heartening ballad, while adjacent tunes like "Your Joy" was sonic mélange of various sounds in an atmospheric instrumental).

This time around, the solo act decided to extend those attributes into his initial offering for this year. "Memories of Youth" administers nostalgia with a swaying bass, chiming lead synths, and emotive strings in a groovy nu-disco type number (whose extended version was released prior as a teaser). Retelling an embarrassing experience (a disastrous dinner, perhaps), "A Night From 2010" merges non-apologetic vocal delivery backed by chirpy twangs from a ukulele.

A relaxed drumbeat and acoustic guitar merge in "Help Me Get Through Afternoon," devoted to the listless feelings of ennui after a wearisome morning schedule; the crooner whispers in angst, clueless in finding an endeavor that would endow spiritual fulfillment. Right after, a tropical and sun-kissed groove ensues in the "Banana Beach” with upbeat percussions and grabby chorus: all suggestive of unloading emotional burdens for a joyful escapade at the beach. 

"The Pursuit of Happiness" seems to be the answer to the helplessness plaguing "Help Me Get Through Afternoon," as the singer has realized how to live life to its fullest— by channeling empathy and humanity in dedicating oneself to meaningful efforts. The EP draws the curtain with "Sweet Life," a lo-fi style track that doubles down on the mantra of rejuvenating after a stressful day, such as spending time with loved ones and friends, or taking a stroll outside to admire the beauty of the encompassing world.

Listen to "Sunday Morning Pancakes" on Spotify, and follow Drawing Mazes on Instagram.