7/10

There is a quiet confidence running through 'Songs from the Garden', the debut solo EP from Craig Hart under his Bones of the Sun moniker. While his previous collaboration with Dome 3000 introduced a songwriter capable of crafting emotionally resonant music, this new collection feels like the moment those creative instincts fully come into focus. Personal yet expansive, 'Songs from the Garden' is the sound of an artist discovering just how powerful vulnerability can be.

Across the EP, Hart creates a world built from gentle acoustic textures, layered melodies, and songwriting that feels remarkably unguarded. Throughout the release, he focuses on small emotional details, allowing the songs to unfold naturally and reveal their depth over time.

But what immediately stands out is the warmth of the production. Recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered entirely from his home studio, the EP carries an organic quality that many larger productions often lose. Every guitar strum, vocal crack, and atmospheric flourish feels intentional, preserving the imperfections that make the music feel alive. There's also a sense of closeness throughout the release, as though these songs are being shared directly with us rather than projected from a distance.

Lead single 'Stargazing' serves as a perfect introduction to the EP’s emotional landscape. Built around intertwining acoustic melodies and understated vocal performances, it captures the uncertainty that often accompanies periods of personal growth. As it progresses, the song sits comfortably within ambiguity, embracing the confusion and hope that frequently coexist during moments of transition.

Elsewhere, the EP continues to explore themes of memory, connection, and self-discovery. The arrangements remain restrained but never sparse, gradually expanding into rich soundscapes that feel both contemporary and timeless. Influences from indie-folk’s most emotionally driven artists can be felt throughout, yet he avoids imitation by grounding everything in his own perspective and experiences.

The closing single 'My Song' also emerges as a standout moment, further highlighting his gift for pairing deeply personal reflections with memorable melodic hooks. It reinforces the sense that 'Songs from the Garden' is a carefully considered journey through the complexities of growing, changing, and learning to understand yourself.

With his debut collection, Bones of the Sun delivers a release that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. It's filled with tenderness, honesty, and a quiet beauty that rewards repeated listens and confirms Craig Hart as a compelling new voice in contemporary indie-folk.