Stop/Shutup/Shout It Out

For his critically acclaimed previous release, "Islander," Norwegian musician Bernhoft was compared to 60s soul legends Sly Stone and Richie Havens. The artist even landed a 2015 Grammy nomination for Best R&B album, making him the first ever non-American to make that category's line-up. On his new EP, "Stop/Shutup/Shout It Out," Bernhoft continues to display a reverence for soul music, with five new songs that lay the warm tones of John Legend and the high notes of Sam Smith on top of a choppy 80s-style blend of instrumentation and synths.

A gifted performer, 39-year-old Bernhoft clearly enjoys blending different styles and applying his creative talents to create something fresh. In fact, in the press materials for the new EP he relates building a chorus of backing vocals by adopting the distinct voices of an imaginary "eccentric cast" of choir members.

The first song on "Stop/Shutup/Shout it Out," "Stop/Shutup," gets things off to an upbeat start. Bernhoft's fluid voice rolls up and down registers over a stuttering dance beat for a tune that celebrates the freedom of living in the moment. Next up, "Writing on the Wall" features clever lyrics ("I read the writing on the wall, I wrote it myself," "I tasted the flavor of the month before it turned sour") and a staccato beat.

"Falter" is one the best tracks on the collection, partnering reflective lyrics with downbeat guitar and an aching, soulful vocal that moves effectively from rich lower tones to a pleading falsetto. The fourth song, "Patience Revisited," is a mellow, gently swinging plea to a wronged lover to "come back home baby" that feels a bit too familiar in its themes and melody.

"H/M/S" brings the collection to a strong conclusion, with its bright thumping beat, random samples, shiny production, and sexy swagger creating a fun party atmosphere. The final "bonus" track, "Shout it Out," is a jam session/outtake with a joyful toddler.

Bernhoft has made it clear that he's got the chops to play on the world stage, a nearly culinary ability to pluck ingredients from genres and mix them into appealing nuggets of pop candy, and a mastery of American rhythm & blues that seems utterly organic. But while "Stop/Shutup/Shout it Out" is an assured and solid accomplishment worth checking out, the EP lacks that one powerhouse track that Bernhoft needs to ignite the broad recognition he merits.

"Stop/Shutup/Shout it Out"
Bernhoft
Big Picnic Records
$9.99
www.bernhoft.org