love is not dying / Jeremy Zucker / April 17, 2020
- Joshua Yoo
- Apr 28, 2020
- 1 min read
Updated: Sep 13, 2020
As the teaser tracks leading up to the release indicated, Jeremy Zucker develops a more dynamic and bold sound on his debut album than ever before. “love is not dying” is a well-crafted adventurous and experimental pop record that retains the raw emotional weight and sincerity that Zucker’s music is known for. Focusing on very specific, detailed personal experiences, both the songwriting and production succeed in creating the right tone for conveying these emotions to his listeners, often using minimal instrumentation and intimate vocal recordings to do so (“we’re f****d, it’s fine”). The melodies in certain choruses and verses are simply heartbreaking (“hell or flying”), and Zucker’s tone and voice completely sell these performances. However, it’s the unpredictability of the album that elevates itself above his previous work. The sudden bursts of volume in the instrumentals (“oh, mexico”), unusual high-energy production (“somebody loves you”), and the seemingly bipolar melody lines (“julia”) all play into this central theme of uncertainty, and while some of this production style is hit or miss (“lakehouse”), more of the stylistic risks stick the landing than don’t on this album. The intricate sampling and layering, the sharp storytelling, and the emotional conviction of the album all point to Jeremy Zucker’s current artistry. He’s sticking to what he’s best at, but he’s doing it with greater focus, creativity, and boldness.
Best Track(s): oh, mexico; hell or flying; you were good to me; orchid
Lowlight(s): lakehouse
SCORE: 7/10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uxeu0MbNR0
Comments