In an introspective project capturing the myriad phases of life, Lee Trent is modestly open about sharing various experiences one can face in life— capturing the highs and lows— and condenses it into a short compilation of an EP titled "In Presence," serving as a guide to the listeners of matters intimate and relevant to many of us. From the pangs of heartache from rejection to basking in the elation from the onset of a new romance, the singer-songwriter thoughtfully delves into the impact of such transitory moments in our lives.
A multi-hyphenated alias, Lee Trent is a solo venture: in fact, most of the instrumentation and arrangements are done by him. He made his first mark on the scene with the debut "Optimism," a romantic ballad that gets giddy with joy on finally loving someone— the grateful vocals are paired with experimental and buoyant synth-backed indie-pop beat, layered with twangy guitars and bright, summery melodies. Interestingly, he paired this opening track with the conclusive "Pessimism," as downbeat vocals and syncopated drums announce the end of said relationship.
Absorbing the works of a wide spectrum of artists from Bob Dylan to Cocteau Twins (for which he has made a Spotify playlist), Trent's versatility is a prominent factor in turning the EP more captivating. The opening song "The Dashboard Incident" (with INNER VIEW) has the makings of a folk record complemented with dreamy, shoegaze-like guitars during the chorus; the lyricism is pensive, reassuring there's a silver lining ahead of all the gloominess troubling now. "Warm Winter Collision" is an upbeat folk-rock follow-up, and the playful disposition of the vocals and track seem to celebrate dodging a bullet from an initially bitter rejection.
"Moonbeams," the third track, is rather warm and fuzzy of a rock ballad, the passionate vocals are accompanied by lofty chorus sections with melodic guitar chords. Filled with accumulated wisdom from past experiences, "Abrupt" is a comforting salve for those going through a rough patch— bundled with sweeping strings (self-arranged by the artist) and an overall soft cadence. The ending is led by the shorter tunes "Hard Abrill" and "Subtle Waves," both instrumentals, in which the former brings a cadent assortment of trombone and glistening guitars, as the last track finishes gently with lingering melodies from a pedal steel.
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