Zeal - Shades Of Gold

Zeal - Shades Of Gold

Zeal, champion of the word and wonderful, continues a strong showing with his newest release Shades Of Gold, displaying an ability to retain the same pull while doubling down on a subtler, more sophisticated sound.

Opening titular track Shades Of Gold has an almost nursery rhyme aesthetic, while creepily innocent keys completing the look. Delicate as this track is, do not be mistaken in assuming passivity or shyness. Shades… has a razor wit and a macabre appeal. Retaining the lo-fi aesthetic and far-flung intentions allows Zeal to sound both vintage and futuristic simultaneously on this track.


While Shades of Gold remains full rooted in the dirt, closer Echoes On Stars takes us to the clouds. Zeal retreats to his roots, which is always a nice thing to do when you’re emulating Bowie and Neil Young. Sounding like a cowboy from Saturn, this intergalactic ballad is a curious mix of folk and space rock. Filled with his calling card weirdness, Zeal remains firmly out of place, a location that suits him perfectly.

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