Consett artist AJ Potter’s latest EP, ‘Melancholy Nicotine’, is a deliberately stripped-back collection that leans into his self-described DIY, lo-fi folk approach. Rooted firmly in folk traditions, the record opens with ‘Hey There Honey’, where voice, acoustic guitar and harmonica immediately establish an intimate tone.
Across its five tracks, the EP remains grounded in this acoustic, folk-driven sound. ‘Spend Some Time at Home’ offers a subtle shift in arrangement, while ‘The Loser, The Weirdo, The Man That Locks Himself Away’ stands out through the addition of bass and lead guitar, giving it a fuller, more textured feel without losing the record’s raw edge.
‘Solar Flare’ returns to a more familiar, stripped-back style, and ‘Reconnection Is Key’ closes the record with harmonica woven back into the mix, reinforcing its DIY, home-recorded aesthetic. Throughout, Potter’s songwriting leans into honest, personal reflection, delivered without gloss or overproduction.
‘Melancholy Nicotine’ remains true to its folk roots, while its lyrics stay grounded in modern life, giving the songs a sense of immediacy alongside their traditional feel. It is a modest yet sincere release that highlights Potter’s commitment to authenticity.
You can listen to the EP now on all major streaming platforms.
