Rattlesnake Jake – Oh, How Easy
Rattlesnake Jake, the moniker of Buffalo-based songwriter Jake Marciniak, has unveiled their debut EP, Oh, How Easy, a vibrant collection of five tracks that navigate the complex terrain of love, loss, and self-discovery. Released independently on March 1st, the EP arrives as a welcome spring offering, it’s colorful wildflower cover mirroring the warmth and eclectic energy found within. Following a single released last November, the EP introduces Marciniak as a main player in the power pop scene. Oh, How Easy is our album of the week.
Oh, How Easy showcases Marciniak’s self-sufficient approach, as they wrote, recorded, and produced the entire EP themselves. The sonic landscape traverses a range of genres, from the punchy power pop of “Needed,” to the emotionally charged indie rock of “Three Little Words,” which incorporates synth alongside massive group vocals. Album opener “Through the Walls” dives immediately into the EP’s themes, showcasing the artist’s multi-instrumental prowess. The acoustic-driven “Close Enough” offers a moment of alt-country inspired intimacy, while the closing track, “Pleasant Sensations,” is a dreamy acoustic reverie.
The EP appears to follow a narrative arc, tracing a journey from the pain of a relationship’s end to the hopeful anticipation of a new beginning. Lyrically, Marciniak explores themes of vulnerability and honesty, with lines that are both relatable and deeply personal. Their vocal delivery possesses a charming sincerity that complements the emotional weight of the songs.
Oh, How Easy presents Rattlesnake Jake as a songwriter with a distinct, tactile approach. The EP feels built from hand-selected sonic materials–a dash of 90s alt-rock here, a sprinkle of emotional power pop there–all assembled with a cohesive lyrical core. It’s a collection of tracks that feel lived-in, each one a snapshot of a particular emotional space–a fine introduction for a songwriter with a palpable artistic curiosity. Oh, How Easy is available now on Bandcamp.
Categorised in: Album of the Week
This post was written by Ronald Walczyk