‘…if the rest of the album sounds as creative and classy as ‘Asphyxiate’ manages to be, then Taylor’s new record could be one with keeping in mind as we approach 2025…’
Musician and videographer Zak Taylor has already been involved in one fantastic release this year. Guitarist of the band cartoonhead, the indie rock four-piece put out a fantastic EP in the form of ‘Moving to the Same Groove‘ earlier this year, which still remains one of the finest EPs of 2024. However, Taylor has chosen not to simply stop there, and return to producing solo work after four years. With a brand new record releasing next year, last month saw the release of its lead single, ‘Asphyxiate’, featuring rapper KIsaac.
Marked by it’s wonderfully luscious, jazzy instrumental, ‘Asphyxiate‘ is all at once a brilliantly accessible piece of easy-listening indie, and a surprisingly complex RnB-tinged rumination on social media that rewards repeated listens. Bright yet minimalist guitars layered over gorgeously groovy rhythms offer an introduction where Taylor’s wistful vocals can truly shine, who delivers his melodies with both simple pop flair and effortlessly cool near-rapped flows.
Those RnB undercurrents are brought to life with a fantastic rapped verse from KIsaac, whose ‘my only connection was Wi-Fi connection‘ line deserves commendation all by itself. All of this leads to a sumptuous instrumental climax segment, marked by the rhythms evolving into an even more pronounced groove-fest, rolling away beneath a gorgeous saxophone melody that simply oozes charm. It is wholly unexpected, yet manages to remain perfectly in-step with the rest of the track.
‘Asphyxiate‘ acts as the lead release from Taylor’s upcoming album, ‘Lethargic Dazeoholic‘, and if the rest of the album sounds as creative and classy as ‘Asphyxiate‘ manages to be, then Taylor’s new record could be one with keeping in mind as we approach 2025. Between his solo and his band material, Taylor is one very special creative worth keeping a very close eye on.
For Fans Of: cartoonhead, Mallcops, Arctic Monkeys, Ruby J, Paramore, The Home Team
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