Marty Zylstra may well be one of Canada‘s best-kept secrets. The Vancouver native biography states that he is the son of an actual preacher man, and in a way, it is not a stretch to think that the singer/songwriter’s presence and charisma may have drawn some inspiration from that. Having shared stages with some of his nation’s best indie acts (Metric and Hot Hot Heat are all-time faves at Cougar Towers) it is perhaps time for his sound to be heard further afield.
Having first come to our attention with the 2021 release ‘Boom Chicka‘. At times the album offers a knowing wink to the heyday of Brit Indie whereas elsewhere his ideas owe something to the ambition of the Beach Boys. That being said, It works a treat maintaining his own distinct sound rather than sounding like a weird amalgamation of different eras or worse, an exact facsimile.
Take the opener “The Music” for example; an upbeat and driving track with an unexpectedly sweet arpeggiated chorus. Early on it is clear this is a singer who can belt out rousing vocals or take a gentler approach all in the service of the song.
The second track, and first single, “Rattle The Glass” is bursting with bravado and effortless cool. The introduction of a distant piano refrain gives the driving beat purpose and the boisterous chorus practically demands to be screamed along with. There is already a noted variety not just between the two opening tracks but within the individual parts they each present, something that is guaranteed to raise and keep the listener’s interest.
Zylstra continues to show his range with tracks like “Sweet California” and “Shine So Bright” which forego some of the immediacy shown on the previously mentioned tracks but are no less enticing for it. The former feels almost dream-like with its swirling melody and its apparent optimistic outlook but you can’t shake the feeling that something may break the spell at any moment. The latter again draws from his pop influences and wouldn’t feel out of place as a Keane single.
At times idealistic and at times more world-weary, Marty Zylstra wears his heart on his sleeve and the result definitely feels genuine. ‘Boom Chicka‘ offers multiple highlights and certainly is worthy of repeat visits and has convinced me that 9 tracks is indeed the optimal track length for an album.
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