Singer, songwriter, and band leader Adam Baker keeps himself busy with several music projects. 

There was Adam Baker & The Heartache, as well as A Couple of Ukes, and his recent work as guitarist/vocalist for The High Freqs.

Along the way, he also releases his solo music — big, beautifully ornamented pop rock that dabbles in folk, ’70s singer-songwriter, and at times power pop that feels both vintage and modern.

While The High Freqs put the finishing touches on their full-length debut, Baker decided to release a three-song EP to satiate fans’ appetite for new music. 

We have Self Control, a mini-sampler of what Baker does best — write thoughtful, engaging pop rock songs.

As with most prolific music makers, Baker does not seem to merely want to put out music on a consistent schedule — he absolutely needs to. Even with a High Freqs album near the finish line, Baker has that drive to keep songs fresh and in the ears of listeners. 

There’s not much to unlock here. You have three songs with varying vibes and feels. From big melodic swings to more nuanced singer-songwriter fare, Baker gives us a taste of his writing palate in an easy to digest “mini” EP. 

Self Control opens with the grand pop melancholy of “Rise and Fall.” With vocal harmonies reminiscent of Paul McCartney & Wings and melodic turns that put this into Grandaddy and Wondermints territory, it’s the kind of song that hangs in your ears long after it ends. It’s the kind of song you need to listen to more than once before moving on. “Introvert” has a Beck Sea Change feel, a gentle acoustic track with a bit of longing in the delivery.

“Whispers and Moans” is a dreamy and big pop song that is led with subtle synth touches that has the feel of early 2000s songwriters, in particular David Gray. It’s a much more ethereal song than what came before and seems to hang in the air with tasteful production.

So, if you can’t wait anymore for that new High Freqs record, fear not because Baker has got you covered. Self Control is the shot in the arm your ears and brain needs to keep that musical appetite satiated.