Words: Ryan Getz

A few days ago I shared a vine on the Tuned Up page poking fun at the style of indie singers like Halsey, Joanna Newsom, and the like. Zealyn could very well be on this list too, but doesn’t constrain herself to the stereotype.

You might be able to thank Aaron Marsh’s involvement with the Limbic System EP for her ability to stand out. Admittedly, I have a hard time categorizing this release into a niche or more general market audience. I suppose if Lorde can capture a general market audience (speaking of which… WHEN IS SHE RELEASING ANOTHER RECORD?) Zealyn can as well.

Zealyn “enjoyed a pop career under a different name” according to her bio. As tempting as it is to elaborate, I’ll honor the artist’s wish to let her current project speak for itself. I will say that as a hearing impaired person that part of her story has struck a chord with me. Might it be that hearing loss has given the both of us greater appreciation for the slightly ethereal, alternative style of music? Myself in my listening habits, and for Zealyn in her musical direction?

Getting back to my earlier point, it is undeniable that Zealyn still retains more of a pop voice than many of her genre counterparts. More pop than Lorde for sure. “Summer Day” is the most outwardly warm song on the record, predictably. It’s also probably my least favorite, but that’s more of a subjective response. It’s definitely a nice deviation from the cooler tones that permeate Limbic System.

I have to give a shout out to the cameos on this record. JMR and Aaron Marsh. Aaron Marsh may be one of the most underrated producers in the country, and the fact that he is aiding in the reinvention of a girl who was at one point on her way to becoming a more conventional American star definitely makes me excited. His vocals on opening track “Overwhelmed” carry the mood of Copeland’s Ixora. I half expected to hear the guitar-work from “I Can Make You Feel Young Again,” and some synth work in album closer “On a Hillside Looking Up” seems to subtly call out this theme as well. JMR’s performance at SXSW this year proved to be exceptional and his appearance on this record is on point as well.

Zealyn may very well be onto something. Her story certainly resounds with me.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/245104619″ /]

Score: 4.2/5