"Midwestern Blues" opens Nathaniel Carroll's The Piano EP, a 7" vinyl record. A catchy, easy going pop track, "Midwestern Blues" sets the tone for the rest of the EP. Carroll's style is easily defined by his talented piano work and unpolished vocals; this is no shiny pop record, and from the start, that point is not only shown, but pushed to the forefront and magnified.

"Reunion Rag" is, as the name would suggest, a ragtime piece. The song feels as if it belongs in a nearly fictional Old West saloon, perhaps played by a man with a handlebar moustache. The style feels so authentic that one must wonder if Carroll is not, in fact, a man from the future, exploring musical styles of the past, present, and future, all in an attempt to create music that approaches perfection. Perhaps, and much more likely, the explanation is simply that he is one of many musical artists exploring the influences of his instrument: the illustrious piano.

The final track, "Sometimes," is a slower, heartfelt piece that showcases Carroll's creative writing style, both lyrically and musically. A string section echoes in and out of the track, providing a depth and emotion to the piece. The themes of the song are not uncommon to modern music by any means, but they are very rarely expressed as well they are in this song. Carroll's unrefined yet beautiful vocal style dominates the track, putting forth something genuine and interesting rather than something wholly usual and boring.

The Piano EP is an excellent showcase of Nathaniel Carroll's charismatic songwriting. As to be expected, this is just a smattering of tunes, and an excellent smattering at that. From the upbeat rhythms of "Midwestern Blues" and the bouncy ragtime style of "Reunion Rag," to the melancholy atmosphere of "Sometimes," The Piano EP is a promising release, showcasing Carroll's pop sensibilities and creative stylings.