Zakoor - Life Cycle
In Urdu, Zakoor is a name that means 'narrator' or 'speaker'. However, it is singer songwriter John Zakoor that lends his name to this fresh new indie rock outfit based in Austin, Texas.. Together with drummer Bryan O'Flynn, Zakoor released two back-to-back EP's in 2020, and now new album 'Life Cycle' offers a shift towards this lighter, fresher sound – perhaps an existential antidote to the pent-up frustrations and anxieties of the pandemic.
Mixed and produced by Paul Kolderie (who has worked with Pixies, Radiohead, and Hole), and mastered by Pete Weiss, 'Life Cycle' emerges as a pop-infused work filled with colour and vibrancy, and with more than a splash of Death Cab for Cutie also vying for our attention. Opening track, 'Pinata Chin' offers a fresh, jangly start before title track, and lead single, 'Life Cycle', delivers faded memories of Fleetwood Mac, as well as 80's films and TV soundtracks. 'The Beauty Part' parades itself in similar vein, but not all is sunshine and light. Songs like 'Severe Headache', 'May Separate When Frozen' and 'Objects Are Frozen' remind us of those lonely months of isolation and frustration.
Standout track for me is 'Chloe', with its thumping beat and life-affirming sentiment. From there it is just a short hop to the grungy sound of 'It's Like You' and the closing 'Bloodline'.
A rewarding release from a name that may be new to many in the UK. Well worth a listen.
7/10
