As the Crow Flies

Released in early 2012, As the Crow Flies is a six-track EP that serves as a spiritual and sonic extension of the sessions for Amos Lee's 2011 chart-topping album, Mission Bell. While that predecessor featured a wide array of guest stars and more expansive arrangements, this EP strips the sound back to its core elements: Lee's distinctive soulful croon and acoustic instrumentation. The recording captures a rustic, almost improvisational quality, suggesting a proximity to the Appalachian and Americana roots that have always informed his work. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the EP's ability to showcase Lee's vocal prowess without the distraction of heavy production. It occupies a unique space in his catalog as a 'breather' - a collection of outtakes and new thoughts that feel more cohesive and emotionally resonant than many artists' primary releases. The tracklist moves from the brooding introspection of 'The Darkness' to the more traditional folk structures of 'Simple Things', maintaining a consistent thread of intimacy throughout.