Australia based folk rocker Brendan McMahon has been releasing music as Satellite Gods but is now venturing forward as a solo artist and has delivered an excellent EP titled Universalist.

Opening with Marker 7-58, we are greeted with engaging vocals and a simple mandolin progression which continues building and building into a melodious and anthemic yet simple wall of stimulating sounds.

Now that Brendan’s got our attention, let’s keep going.

Hotel Hemmingway picks up the pace with a head noddin’, upbeat rhythm and beautiful electric guitar tones soon transitioning into an all out pop-esque ballad with lush background harmonies, aptly placed organs and some superb musicianship.

Fridays In December hits us with filtered, spacey vocals and an ambient atmosphere. Once through the intro, we move into another ballad featuring a well mixed acoustic guitar rhythm, adrenaline boosting electric guitar runs, warming piano lines, and a memorable hook you’ll keep singing after the song ends.

Mother slows it down and mellows it out with an elegant grand piano foundation. Brendan’s soulful and soothing vocal performance portrays love, adoration and gratitude for that strong figure in our life who never lets us down.

Ending the EP is my personal favorite and the funkiest jam of them all, Beat. Wah’d out guitar, hard hitting drums, powerful vocal harmonies, a contagious vocal delivery from Brendan and enough energy to force you out of your seat, Beat is the perfect closer for this radio-ready, attention grabbing EP.

Get the music on iTunes.

Connect directly with Brendan McMahon on his official website.