The four original songs on this EP are evidence of an emerging Marin singer-songwriter who hasn't quite emerged, but isn't afraid to put out CDs and tour and do what he has to do to grow as a musician and make himself heard.

This eponymous CD is the follow-up to Bronson's “No War” album in 2006, an ambitious project with 14 songs divided into three parts. Since then, he's put together and performed with his own Gentry Bronson band, which includes Marin musician Jesse Brewster on guitar. He has also collaborated with the talented Brewster on the release of an English version of the Dutch song “Avond,” the video of which has attracted attention in this country and in Europe.

On his new EP, Bronson, who has

just returned from his fourth European tour, lends his serviceable tenor and acoustic piano to an impressive quartet of power pop ballads reminiscent of Billy Joel and John Mellencamp. Others have compared him to Nick Cave, David Gray, Michael Stipe and “Hedwig's” Stephen Trask.

With “Wild Women,” “Beautiful Ghosts,” “The Queen and the Clown” and the San Francisco-inspired “8th & Harrison,” Gentry has written fascinating story songs that show why he's won three Northern California Songwriters Association awards.

The San Rafael musician has the rare gift for melody and to write sophisticated musical arrangements, but he should be careful not to soundc derivative,

covering ground that his influences have already covered.

Engineered by Alan Hertz at the cleverly named Shabbie Road Studio in Terra Linda, the CD features Alex Aspinall on drums, acoustic slide guitarist James Deprato and backup singer Allyson Page. There are some problems with the mix, particularly with the overpowering drum track on “8th & Harrison,” making it difficult to make out some of the lyrics. But overall this is an EP that sounds like a warm-up for a full-length album next time around.

Tell us about your band! If you're a musician or band from Marin or Sonoma with a recording that readers can buy or download, send your CD and contact information (if you have an upcoming gig, let us know that, too) to Press Play, P.O. Box 6150, Novato 94948-6150.