When an artist manages to blend humour, sharp storytelling, and genuine emotion into a single cohesive project, it speaks volumes about their creative vision. That’s exactly what Zachary Mason delivers with his original EP “5…4…3…2…1…”— a space-themed, genre-bending journey through humanity’s flight from a dying Earth.
With just three tracks, Zachary crafts a sonic narrative that is both playful and thought-provoking, combining Space Rock, Psychedelic Rock, and Experimental sounds. It’s his first EP and his most ambitious work since his 2023 debut album Songs. This release doesn’t just showcase his musical range — it cements his position as a storyteller with a unique voice.
The EP unfolds like a mini sci-fi adventure, beginning with the title track “5…4…3…2…1…”. This opener sets the tone with a tense but exhilarating countdown as humanity prepares to flee a ruined Earth. It’s filled with swirling psychedelic guitar textures and an urgency that mirrors the chaos of climate disaster. The drumming by Nate Barnes of Rose Hill Drive gives the song its pulse, while the bass from John Thomasson (of Little Big Town) anchors it beautifully.
The second track, “The Funky Martians,” takes the story to Mars, where the newly arrived humans meet their first unexpected challenge — a run-in with hostile Martians. Rather than going dark, Zachary embraces humour and quirkiness, turning an alien encounter into something funky and fun. The guitar work is playful, the rhythm infectious, and the chorus lingers long after the song ends. It’s a brilliant balance of storytelling and groove.
The closing track, “Earthsick,” shifts the tone dramatically. Here, the excitement of escape gives way to homesickness and regret. The humans, now settled on Mars, look back on their lost home with aching nostalgia. Zachary takes on bass duties himself for the first time in his released work, using a keyboard to create an ethereal, melancholic foundation. This song is the emotional heart of the EP — thoughtful, honest, and beautifully executed.
All three tracks were mixed and mastered by Derrick Lin of Voyage In Solitude, whose production work enhances the EP’s cinematic quality. Each track has its own sonic personality but flows seamlessly into the next. The collaboration with seasoned musicians like Nate Barnes and John Thomasson adds professional polish, while Zachary’s multi-instrumental performance gives the project its soul.
At just 28, Zachary has already built an impressive catalogue of over 200 demo tracks and earned features in outlets like Rolling Stone En Español, SPIN, and The Big Takeover. His earlier singles “I Wish Humans Were Made In A Factory…”and “I’ll Get Through” both charted on indie radio, and his music has been accepted into the sync catalogues of YTINIFNI Pictures and Relva Music. Inspired by icons like David Bowie, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles, Zachary channels that same fearless experimentation into his work.
“5…4…3…2…1…” is more than just an EP — it’s a story told through sound, a playful yet meaningful reflection on humanity’s future, and a showcase of Zachary Mason’s growth as an artist. Its quirky humour, rich production, and emotional depth make it stand out in today’s music landscape.
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