Review
Zella Day's "Kicker", unveiled in 2015, is rather a splendid initiation into her larger musical realm, a veritable major-label debut, don't you know. This collection of twelve tunes, clocking in at around thirty-eight minutes, unfurls like a wildflower blooming in the twilight, offering up a dreamy sort of indie-pop imbued with those lovely Americana undercurrents. Wally Gagel and Xandy Barry, the whizzes from Wax Ltd, alongside Blueprint, certainly worked their magic on the production, crafting a sound that feels both incandescent and ever so inviting. It’s like stepping into a sun-drenched daydream, all gossamer light and the whisper of distant guitars – the kind of place where wistful thoughts float by on the breeze.
As for the very tunes themselves, Zella's distinctive vocal cords are quite the wonder, spinning yarns with an effortless grace that truly captivates. Tracks like "Mustang Kids," "Sweet Ophelia," and "The Outlaw Josey Wales" are simply bursting with youthful pondering and imagery so vivid, you might just find yourself galloping alongside phantom horses beneath a desert moon. Then, "Jameson" steps forward, a heartfelt exploration of affection's sundry struggles, demonstrating her profound command of the lyric. It's a grand journey, ending sweetly with the piano's embrace on "Compass," which showcases her emotional breadth and proves she’s got a rather good head on her shoulders for crafting moving music. - Poppy
