Purpose by Ross Stewart

Purpose by Ross Stewart

Ross Stewart’s debut EP Purpose arrives as both a personal statement and a bold introduction to his artistic identity. Across five tracks, Stewart blends Blues, Rock, Soul, Americana, and Country into a collection that is diverse yet cohesive. Each song offers something distinct, rocking guitars, heartfelt ballads, poetic lyricism, yet together they form a unified portrait of an artist stepping into his voice with confidence and sincerity.

The opening track, “Stones Don’t Bleed,” sets the tone with a powerful riff where electric guitar rhythms weave against steady piano chords. The contrast in textures gives the song both drive and tenderness, while its sentimental lyrics are delivered with undeniable energy. The soaring guitar solo recalls the golden era of classic rock, echoing the spirit of Led Zeppelin and Guns N’ Roses, yet the song’s reflective character brings to mind the storytelling of Don McLean.

“Fall From Grace” carries the rock momentum forward, with a steady and solid beat that grounds the song. While it shifts away from the pure classic rock sound of the opener, it retains the same drive, showcasing Stewart’s ability to adapt his style while maintaining consistency.

With “Tangerine Sky,” Stewart softens the mood, stepping into Americana and Country. Here we turn to one of the most vulnerable moments on the record. Anchored by acoustic guitar and warm rhythms, the tender, direct, and emotionally resonant lyrics, addresses the painful aftermath of a breakup.

The tone brightens with “Sweet Morning.” With a touch of country flair and echoes of Dire Straits’ charm–especially on the counter melodies played by the lead guitar–the song sings optimism. Its bright, hopeful lyrics and breezy feel provide a refreshing contrast to the more introspective moments on the record.

The EP closes with the title track, “Purpose,” which feels like the emotional centerpiece. A haunting ballad built on classical guitar rhythms, ghostly vocals, and scattered piano notes that paint a misty atmosphere, while the lyrics reflect on life, meaning, and the universal struggle to find direction. The refrain

“without a purpose I’m falling apart, without a purpose I’m lost from the start, without a purpose I’d break my own heart, am I insane?” 

lingers long after the song ends. It’s a raw, vulnerable moment that feels like the artist is talking to the audience face to face.  It explores themes of aimlessness, self-discovery, and the universal search for meaning. “Purpose” is a track that for me recalls the haunting intimacy of Damien Rice, blending serenity with an undercurrent of darkness, and without a doubt it is my personal favorite piece of the album.

With Purpose, Ross Stewart has crafted a debut that does more than showcase versatility, it declares intent. Each track reveals a different shade of his artistry, but together they speak to a clear vision built on honesty and emotional depth. Surrounded by a debut UK tour and an opening slot for REEF, this EP marks not just the beginning of Stewart’s career, but the arrival of an artist with a voice worth listening to.

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