Nine months on form their previous record, Chrysalis, solo artist Zanias makes a quick return on new album Ecdysis. The title takes its name from the final stage of emergence from ones former self. Ecdysis is thus a venture deeper into the alternate dimensions presented on the previous record, exploring a more exotic sound that adds a breadth and refreshing element to Zanias‘ discography.
Moments into “Earthborn“, we are shown the vocal shift that Zanias has chosen to take on Ecdysis. Rather than a focus on lyricism, vocals are used as a instrument of sound, blended amongst the soundscapes of synths and paced beats. As “Mara” continues, it’s quickly evident that the record is a psychedelic experience, to be listened to in full focus without the distractions of modern habits. While this may place it in a narrow niche, is something commendable in the face of quick-consumption media.
There is ethereal warmth as the Ecdysis flows throw its songs. For better or for worse, it becomes easy to lose one’s place between the tracks. There is a change of pace and more thematic element to “Duneskipper“, and a change in tempo on “Acacia” that gives it a more ‘awakened‘ atmosphere. As it rolls into its mid-section on “Bloodwood” and “Habenula“, the one-dimensional element of Ecdysis does begin to sink in. While keeping the record within a well-confined atmosphere, it does perhaps detract from a sense of variety.
There is a pleasant nature to “Swim“, the pitched vocals sit nicely on the ear, with the glistening synths and voice samples a satisfying yet calming listen to the track. The title track looks to encapsulate the themes of Ecdysis, and while perhaps lacking in spark needed for a memorable closer, it does a fine job to represent the soul of the record.
The shift taken on Ecdysis is a bold one. A follow up to their previous record could have safely remained in the realms of synthpop, yet a divergence into a challenging and soulful sound was taken instead. While Ecdysis does show the need for further refinement, that does show that Zanias has plenty of space to explore and expand their sound, which is arguably more intriguing then staying within safe confines.
7/10
Edysis is out February 16th via Fleisch Records and can be pre-ordered here.