ALBUM REVIEW: Zak Taylor – Lethargic Dazeoholic

‘…perfectly captures the deep apathy and technological claustrophobia that permeates every aspect of modern life. It’s a clever, cool, and superbly crafted…’

Good music does not cease to exist simply because it was not released in a given arbitrary time period, and in the spirit of that, we rewind back to last summer for this album review. Guitarist of indie-pop outfit cartoonhead, and previously also that of emo cult favourites Coast To Coast, Zak Taylor has been working relentlessly within the music industry for quite some time now, never shying away from lending his hand to a new style or project. Throughout 2020, Taylor used the strange times to release a steady stream of solo singles, but since then has dedicated much of his time to cartoonhead’s blossoming career.

2024 saw Taylor finally revisit his solo efforts, with the fantastically groovy ‘Asphyxiate‘, featuring guest vocals from KIsaac. A year later, Taylor would drop his debut solo LP, ‘Lethargic Dazeoholic‘, and in the process has crafted a definite hidden gem of funk-toned indie goodness; the record even managed to slip under the radar here, but no matter whether it’s 2025 or 2026, good music deserves to be platformed.

Title track ‘Lethargic Dazeoholic’ is groovy yet moody, commencing with smoky bass lines that undulate beneath wah-pedal soaked guitars and vocal murmurs, before sprawling out into an acid trip of distorted fuzz and bluesy, reggae-tinged vocals. ‘Four Walls’ packs syncopated reggae that snag your attention immediately, produced with hypnotic binaural beats. The prominence of the bass, weaving compelling yet understated melodies, is wonderfully contrasted by bright, shimmering synths during the particularly captivating choruses.

‘Asphyxiate’ presents with the sound of late summer haze, bass lines meander through melodies whilst Taylor offers a gentle yet soulful performance that oozes melancholy. KIsaac’s rapped verse is a genius creative touch that works wonderfully to inject momentum into an otherwise laid-back affair, without eschewing the dreamy atmosphere Taylor aims to conjure. It all has a very 00’s flair to it, without at all feeling dated or reliant on tropes, glistening with a bittersweet longing for a time before Wi-Fi connection replaced human connection.

‘Simulation’ sees Taylor’s acoustic guitar picking shimmering atop of subdued yet fantastically infectious rhythms. The guitar solo in the back half is gorgeously performed, sounding just as smooth and compelling as Taylor’s vocals. On ‘Joythief’, Taylor brings the funk with stomping grooves and a much heavier focus on electric guitars and rock’n’roll sentiments. It’s a bluesy banger of a track that has a distinct swagger without feeling overconfident, as Taylor seeks to protect his peace from those who would seek to rain on his parade.

‘These Days’ serves as a wistful indie anthem that sees Taylor invite fellow Cartoonhead band member Kieran Hyland onboard, and that chemistry is a delight to hear. A jangly yet wonderfully infectious number, Taylor sings of keeping up false pretences and keeping disconnected from sincerity, as summery guitars rattle with a free-spirited innocence beneath the surprisingly melancholic lyricism. Taylor and Hyland’s vocals compliment one another beautifully, with Hyland’s rambunctious and distinctive indie tones working wonderfully with the soulful smoke of Taylor.

Taylor’s debut record is easy to listen to, but do not mistake that for one second as being indicative of a lack of intelligence or creativity. ‘Lethargic Dazeoholic’ perfectly captures the deep apathy and technological claustrophobia that permeates every aspect of modern life. It’s a clever, cool, and superbly crafted record that does an awful lot whilst remaining wonderfully understated.

RATING: 77/100

For Fans Of: Hippo Campus, Arctic Monkeys, The Police, The 1975, Glass Animals

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Instagram // Bandcamp // Twitter