Following two slickly produced studio albums, Marc Ambrosia is keeping things folksy and acoustic on his latest brief (but brilliant) EP, “The Enormity of Trees & The Essence of Rain.”

“All This Time” kicks things off with Ambrosia sharing vocal duties with Best Bear front woman, Jeanette Lynne. Much in the way of a Buckingham Nicks or an Everly Brothers recording, Ambrosia and Lynne harmonize throughout this entire song while both questioning the passage of time and appreciating the destination that time is eventually leading them to. On the surface, “All This Time”is a song about gratitude, the power of perspective, and ultimately, a song about the future. At the core, it’s a beautiful mix of looking back, taking stock, and looking ahead all at once.

Title track, “The Enormity of Trees and the Essence of Rain” finds Marc in a more mournful mood. Where once he revered his childlike vision of the world, he finds time has altered his view. Sung in more of an almost spoken word performance, Ambrosia wrestles with his feelings of sorrow and combats them with optimism; ‘Every day is a new day to feel no pain, bask in the enormity of trees and the essence of the rain.’ Considering Ambrosia is only 26 years old, this song shockingly comes across as sage advice from an old soul.

“I Will” steers things back into more pop territory, ground Ambrosia is no stranger to. Here, Ambrosia delivers a soulful ode to friendship, a promise of steadfast support, and a commitment to surviving change. Ambrosia’s signature vocal layerings are all over this track, making it an instant earworm to any longtime Marc Ambrosia fan.

Finally, Marc delivers “Angelina,” a quiet, beautiful love song. Anyone familiar with Ambrosia’s existing catalog knows his knack for writing love songs is unmatched. Sung as if it were prayed, “Angelina” longs for feelings of love to be requited.

Throughout “The Enormity of Trees & The Essence of Rain” EP, time seems to be a constant theme. Time passes on, bringing new perspectives, providing enlightenment, serving as a catalyst for stronger connection and understanding. Perhaps Marc Ambrosia is on a quest for zen? If so, these songs would show he’s come a long way. Thankfully, he’s holding onto our hand and not letting go until we get to the light.