Psych-rock allure intertwines with a spacefaring concept on 5…4…3…2…1…, the new EP from Zachary Mason. The Guildford, UK-based artist has caught our ears in the past with tracks like “Fathers” and “Madness Gladness,” and now excels here with an EP that embraces space-minded, introspective rock sound. Per Mason, the EP explores ” a continuing story of mankind fleeing a ruined and dying Earth and attempting to colonise Mars.”
The EP’s title track opens with a fuzzy, crackling effect — imparting a vague intrigue as playful guitar haziness and a debonair twang emerge. “System’s launch, countdown commencing,” hypnotic vocals immerse, setting a narrative scene with hopeful explorations for a better world as the numerical countdown then appears, with a Bowie-esque vocal grasp. It’s a fantastic commencement to the EP, stirring in its psych-rock allure — alongside lyrical laments on a deteriorating ozone layer and an ensuing mission to Mars.
The other two tracks also excel with engaging songwriting and thematic appeal. “The Funky Martians” dazzles in its illuminated guitar jangles and suave vocal soundscape-setting. “The place was empty, no one was around,” they describe, then arriving to an extraterrestrial meeting: “On the horizon, some Martians appears.” Spacey effects and rollicking guitar solos further the enjoyable sound, which then flows into EP finale “Earthsick.” There, lonesome electronic tones venture into a warming, spell-inducing rock sprawl with soothing vocal entrancement, showing shades of Pink Floyd. 5…4…3…2…1… is a thoroughly rivetinmg EP from Zachary Mason.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
