Some artists just have an "it" factor. And Ben Kessler is one such artist.

For the past couple of years, he has steadily built momentum with a string of releases proving his savvy songwriting abilities and unique vocal skills, at the same time becoming a Variance favorite. On Thursday, he released his debut Cruise Control EP, and the five-track project manages to capture Kessler's authenticity, vulnerability and evolution as a music maker.

That evolution is on full display on the EP's title track, where Kessler demonstrates his true prowess, delivering a weighty vocal performance which walks a fine line between the young, delicate pop where Kessler thrives and a more mature space where his true potential even more clear.

As Kessler said earlier this month when he shared his song "Love You Now, Love You Later," he finished it at a time of change, graduating from college, saying goodbye to people he loves, in the middle of a pandemic, in the year that was 2020. And perhaps that tinge of uncertainty, growth and transparency is part of why Kessler's music hits just right. It's also why he's bound to be a future star.

Hear his Cruise Control EP below.

https://soundcloud.com/benkesslermusic/sets/ep-order