Sam Trowbridge seems like a fun guy. Just listen to his latest EP Existential Criticism and you’ll hear what I’m hearing: A young man that listens to a lot of different music then dumps those vibes all into a musical blender, hits puree, and drinks it up. What comes out is a pop/soul/indie/hip-hop-flavored sound.

Trowbridge arrived on the Fort Wayne music scene in 2022 with The Painter. That was a more low-key, bedroom pop affair, and now Trowbridge has put his music technology education to good use on his latest release. 

Existential Criticism hits on indie soul and pop rock vibes with touches of hip-hop for good measure. The results are an engaging five-track album that will satiate your musical appetite.

“Elevator Music” opens the EP on a fun hip-hop feel as Trowbridge fills us in on his sandwich woes in a sing/talk playful delivery. I’m hearing bits of Cage the Elephant and Jason Mraz, but with a twist. “What Are You Waiting For” has tasteful horns with nice, tight production. “Late Night TV Show” is a bigger guitar-centric song with Trowbridge delivering great vocals and pondering the idea that he’s merely an actor in the game of life.

Elsewhere, “Karma” goes for Joji vibes mixed with an almost soft rock twist and great lo-fi production with tastefully layered harmonies. “Back Home” is a jaunty closer with piano chords banging like Ben Folds post-Ben Folds Five.

Trowbridge pulls from a lot of places and knows all the cool studio tricks. Bottom line, Existential Criticism is a classic singer-songwriter set of tunes with big melodies, ear worm hooks, and thoughtful, humorous lyrics.