When an artist manages to fuse quirky humour, deep reflection, and imaginative storytelling into a tight three-track project, it’s something worth paying attention to. That’s exactly what Zachary Mason achieves in his newly released EP, “5…4…3…2…1…” — a space-themed journey that blends Space Rock, Psychedelic Rock, and Experimental elements into a vibrant, thought-provoking narrative.
This EP is Zachary’s first since his 2023 debut album Songs, and it feels like a confident artistic leap forward. At 28 years old, the Guildford-based artist has already built a name for himself with over 200 demo tracks and multiple press features, including Rolling Stone En Español and SPIN. But here, Zachary isn’t just writing songs — he’s telling a story.
Track 1: “5…4…3…2…1…”
The opening track sets the stage for humanity’s mass exodus from a ruined Earth. It’s bold, atmospheric, and soaked in spacey guitar tones. The countdown theme builds anticipation, while the psychedelic textures give the sense of blasting off into the unknown. The drumming by Nate Barnes of Rose Hill Drive injects real energy into the track, while the bass from John Thomasson (of Little Big Town) adds a grounded groove beneath the cosmic swirl. This opener works both as a musical statement and as Act I of a larger story.
Track 2: “The Funky Martians”
This is where the humour shines brightest. Upon arriving on Mars, humanity encounters hostile Martians, and what follows is a comically unexpected turn of events. The track’s playful rhythms, bouncy bass, and funky guitar licks make it the most danceable of the three, but the lyrics also hint at humanity’s tendency to stumble into situations with more luck than wisdom. The blend of psychedelic guitar effects and quirky vocal delivery creates a light-hearted but clever middle chapter.
Track 3: “Earthsick”
The EP closes on a more reflective note. Now settled on Mars, humans realise what they’ve lost — a ruined Earth they can never return to. This track slows the tempo, letting melancholic melodies and spacey reverb dominate. For the first time in his released material, Zachary handles the bass himself using a keyboard, adding a raw, personal layer to the sound. It’s a surprisingly emotional finale that gives weight to the story’s quirky beginnings.
The EP’s sonic landscape feels cohesive and well thought-out. The mix and mastering by Derrick Lin — founder of Voyage In Solitude — balance the psychedelic layers without ever becoming muddy. Zachary’s use of both acoustic and electric guitars, along with keyboards, shows his range as a musician. The drumming is crisp and dynamic, and the bass lines add warmth and groove, particularly in the first two tracks.
What sets “5…4…3…2…1…” apart is its narrative ambition. Zachary doesn’t just deliver songs — he creates chapters in a sci-fi tale about humanity’s escape from its own mistakes. The humour in “The Funky Martians” contrasts beautifully with the heaviness of “Earthsick,” giving the EP emotional balance. This approach echoes some of his musical influences like David Bowie and The Beatles, blending storytelling with sonic experimentation.
“5…4…3…2…1…” isn’t just another indie EP. It’s a bold, imaginative project that showcases Zachary Mason’s versatility as both a storyteller and a musician. By mixing humour with environmental reflection, and grounding spacey sounds with solid musicianship, he delivers something truly memorable. This EP marks a significant milestone in his career and signals that his creative journey is just beginning.
Connect with ZACHARY MASON on
English