Dear readers, if there is any one thing that can be called a universal law by now, then it is that Zachary Mason is absolutely unable to miss his target. Whether it is tearing down our defenses and making us swoon with his everlasting songs such as “Fathers” and “Sweet Girl,” or taking us on a fantastic journey with the brilliantly crazy music of “The Funky Martians,” that spectacular 5…4…3…2…1. EP and the magnificent “Sweetheart,” he is constantly showing us how far ahead of everybody else he is in terms of musical skills. Just when we start thinking that we have come to terms with all the depths of his talent, he presents us with another one of his heart’s masterpieces with his new three-track EP, Welcome To My Heart, which was released on July 10th, and truly, we have to stop everything and pay attention to this masterpiece that is unfolding before our eyes.
EP starts with an emotionally delicate melody that meanders its way in a slow yet mournful manner, which is reminiscent of the cold feel of late October, before settling on a cozy tone with “Can’t Feel My Autumn”. The opening track of his EP, which consists of three tracks, Zachary Mason introduces himself to listeners with a deep emotional disconnect, which he experienced personally. The lyrics capture the pain of this distance with such clarity, telling the story of the strange, painful feeling of looking out at the world from the outside as the season that used to mean everything to you passes in a blurry, ghostlike state inside of your very heart. Call it seasonal depression, but the character that this artist has created is really in his feelings about this particular thing. Mason sings the lyrics in such a way that his voice reflects all of the vulnerability of that conversation, as if he is talking to an empty room, just accentuated by the raw sound of the breaths that the acoustic strings take. This approach solidifies the intent and impact of the song on listeners.
The tone shifts dramatically as an understated, natural rhythm section enters to support the semi-fast, intense drive of “I Need Freedom.” In this song, the restrained emotion of the first chapter becomes the tight, psychological prison of reality as we face the unfortunate fact that the walls preventing us from moving forward can be completely fabricated from our own fears and routines. The lyrics become the impassioned plea for freedom, which cuts deepest in the haunting bridge when the very idea of freedom is shown to be bleeding, dropping painful seeds while pointing toward growth. The character in this song admits that he’s been trapped in his soul and needs freedom. The simple use of the phrase and repetition of the line “I need freedom” makes us feel the subtle desperation of the character. Sound-wise, the song uses an extended sonic palette by virtue of the rhythmic playing of Nate Barnes, drummer, and the rich, deep bass/rhythm contributions of David E Beats to add a more warm-sounding folk rock atmosphere to the song, which serves to underscore the inner struggle. The vocals of Mason go from a bruised whisper to a passionate vocal, creating a tremendous effect on the audience as the sound of waging war within yourself.
It is in the song “Me and I” that the album culminates in transcendence and contemplation. This closing track represents an intensely personal conversation with the disparate fragments of his personality. The song starts with a soothing acoustic passage that brings about a feeling of emerging from chaos and into the warmth of the hearth to reflect upon oneself in complete sincerity and without reservations. Lyrically speaking, Mason becomes his worst critic and, at the same time, his most gentle adviser who heals his old scars and helps him find a way to accept his complex inner world. The song represents the inner turmoil that we sometimes have within ourselves and how to communicate with ourselves or the ability to sit with ourselves. On a musical level, the performance is enhanced by the outstanding bass playing of John Thomasson, whose deep, rich tone adds itself seamlessly to the complex finger-picking style of the music, along with the soothing rhythmical heartbeat of the drums supplied by Barnes. The vocal performance of Mason on this track is just amazing – full of strength gained through struggle and switching back and forth from fragility and vulnerability to soaring and expressive power. With the final notes dissipating into nothingness, one is left with the realization of having experienced true healing.
The album “Welcome To My Heart” is simply a stunningly intimate, bruised, and melancholic folk masterpiece that exposes the very essence of humanity through its three flawless tracks. All of the tracks explore the art of enduring and exploring the darkness and pain that lies deep within us, with brutal honesty and authenticity. This highly personal songwriting is complemented by the presence of an amazing set of musicians, with the album being mixed and mastered by David E Beats, the Grammy-nominated recording producer and engineer. He has played beautiful rhythm guitars and bass lines in the second track. The list of musicians present in the album includes the drummer of critically-acclaimed rock group Rose Hill Drive, Nate Barnes, playing the rhythm section of tracks two and three, along with the bassist of Little Big Town, John Thomasson, playing bass on the last track. Strolling through this soundscape is truly an experience one never forgets and is cut short way before one is satisfied with it. However, as a fan who is very devoted and has waited patiently, I will always have all my gadgets fully charged, ready for the magic that the wonderful Zachary Mason will weave next.
Stream the “Welcome To My Heart” EP on Spotify
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