Zella Day Impresses on New Album ‘Kicker’

Stephanie Hernandez

Since the release of Zella Day’s self titled EP in September 2014, the buzz surrounding her name has only grown alongside the anticipation for her new album “Kicker.” Her single “Sweet Ophelia” strengthened the obsession with the singer, presenting an equally feisty and talented front in the face of many other emerging cookie cutter pop artists. True to its name, “Kicker” is sure to jar you out of any musical rut you happen to be in, a 12 track exploration of love, loss, satisfaction and expectations the record delves into these universal topics with acute emotional maturity.

Zella’s delicate vocals and storybook-like lyrics create an ethereal pop-infused world you’d be crazy not to want to lose yourself in. Her euphoric sound is grounded by the realism of her imagery, beginning with the raw opening track “Jerome.” The lack of the contrivance in her approach to production immediately pulls you in and sounds as if the song is being performed there right in front of you. It is a welcomed approach in a world where pop isn’t synonymous with honesty.  The first half of the record includes passionate tracks such as “1965” and “East of Eden” that truly allow Zella to demonstrate her ability to command fully a massive chorus, an exceptional accomplishment for such a young performer. It is at this point where you begin to appreciate the juxtaposition of light and drawn-back production against Zella’s heavy lyricism. Day keeps the tracks moving and airy enough to enjoy without bogging down the remainder of the album with heavy-handed instrumentation. “Hypnotic” then comes in, hitting the listener with an infectious beat layered over Zella’s transcendent voice, the lyrics become almost like lines of spoken word poetry, forcing you to hang on her every word.

The attitude and passion of “Hypnotic” is continued on “Mustang Kids.” With its use of boisterous synth and insanely catchy chorus, featuring rapper Baby E, “Mustang Kids” is Zella’s small town version of a classic carefree summer jam, bringing nostalgia to the table without sounding childish. We wouldn’t mind playing this with the top down on a sunny day, even if it were a slight departure from the rest of the album.  “Jameson” the album’s one true ballad begins to round out “Kicker.” An ode to the effects of alcoholism, Zella takes the subject matter and cleverly creates a story of dissatisfaction and longing for a love that will most likely never come in a way that is relatable to almost anyone. Unrequited love see’s new light in “Shadow Preachers.” The ferocity in her delivery is breathtaking, with a new take on the girl power get out of my life anthem Zella keeps you close and coming back for more, “Maybe I don’t want you either/We’re both unsettled, nighttime creatures.”

The last two tracks sum up “Kicker” pretty damn well. “Sweet Ophelia,” Zella’s arguably career-making song gets a chance to shine in the records second half. “Sweet Ophelia” is essentially Zella expressing her frustration towards a man taking away a girl’s innocence far too soon and then leaving her unsatisfied in the end. The power of the message, paired with Zella’s bold and euphoric vocals leaves no doubt that this single has the potential to take over the radio. Zella does not let herself indulge her pop intricacies too much and instead ends “Kicker” with the balancing soft piano-laden track “Compass,” to remind us she’s a talented lyricist as well. Day takes this opportunity to let her high register vocals shine on this delicate and intimate ballad. With nothing much else aside from her whispering voice, Zella leaves listeners with a great example of her powerful songwriting ability. The three minute track completely engulfs you and ends “Kicker” with a sweetly sensitive air that feels as though you’ve been invited to something truly magical. The highly personal album allows listeners to hear all facets of Zella’s ability, from indie-pop princess to intimate lyricist, “Kicker” is a multidimensional piece that new fans of the singer will hold onto dearly and that cult fans will obsess over for years to come.

“Kicker” will be available on iTunes on June 2. Zella Day will be performing to a sold out crowd at the Troubadour on June 3.