Since launching last year, independent Nashville label Silverado Records have been putting together a very strong and exciting roster.One such signing is Zack Dyer who kicks off the label's Signature Songwriter Series with his four track co-written EP.
Country is the broad bracket genre for this release but there's also elements of pop and blues, with Zack's incredibly soulful voice at the helm. As much as I try to resist comparing artists to each other, if you like guys like Jason Mraz, Chris Young or Jack Johnson, then you'll love this release. It's easy listening, well-written and welcoming music.
We open with the upbeat 'All American'. This track is about a girl who has caught Zack's eye and it's joyful and sweet. One criticism is that this song has been put out a little too early as this easily has potential to be a summer anthem...give this one a spin when you're driving, windows down, on a beautiful sunny day and you'll get what I mean.
'Heartland', a love letter to home, showcases Zack's smooth voice beautifully. It's bluesy and it paints a lovely picture of where he grew up and everything that's so great about it. A bass guitar gives it an infectious groove.
Then we have another ode...to a car. 'P.O.S' is a lovingly cheeky song to the first car you own. It's nothing special (as he calls it, it's a P.O.S) but it gets the job done and you'll always remember it for a number of reasons. It's a very fun and playful song.
'Wishful Drinking' ends the EP on a more sombre note, a sorrow filled song about a love that was not meant to be. It's the excellent choice to end on, showing that there's more to Zack than the chilled tracks that had proceeded it. Gut-wrenching punches are also part of his wheelhouse.
All in all, this EP is another sign of very promising things to come, both from Zack himself and Silverado. Well worth a purchase.
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Signature Songwriter Series Volume 1 is available to download now.
