The CD was tested by listening to it in its entirety - it played flawlessly. The cardboard sleeve is in very good condition and includes the artwork insert.
Released a few months before the full-length debut, the promo EP Short Of Breath showcased four tracks by Canadian singer/songwriter Esthero and producer Doc McKinney. Breath From Another samples that famous line from Deliverance amid record scratches, a head bobbing hip-hop beat, and heavy drum and bass as Esthero encourages the listener not to "compromise what's gold for the soul you never sold." The male rapper is weak, but the female one spins a laidback Bahamadia-like flow that works extremely well.
The first single Heaven Sent tells the dark story of a mistress helping her married lover kill his wife. "The taste was sweet and you delivered/I never thought I could be this high" ... "Everyone is going to have to die sometime." Instead of being slow and depressing, the sweeping strings and Esthero's Bjork inspired vocals create a suspenseful atmosphere that'll catch and hold your attention from beginning to end.
The last two tracks explore themes of being misplaced and longing for a place to call your own. That Girl, buoyed by a dreamy guitar and a jazzy trumpet, comes to the realization that "I just don't belong here", but in a way that's hopeful and optimistic about belonging somewhere else one day. Had her label (Sony) released it as a full-on single, I'm sure it would've been the hit that would put Esthero on the map. But alas. They dumped her instead. The soul-flavored Country Livin' (The World I Know) convinces a lover to take a ride outside of their small town surroundings for a late night drive and stargazing. "This night can be ours" her wistful Erykah Badu-esque vocals proclaim. Over a decade later, Badu herself would release a similar escapist anthem titled Window Seat.
This rare, hard to find EP is strictly for the die hard. Anyone who is coming across Esthero's music for the first time should definitely pick up Breath From Another for all the amazing tracks. Lounge, Superheroes, and Swallow Me especially. Breathe in and enjoy.