Seven Zen - EP Review: Dark As Life
Seven Zen is a 14-year-old college student at
Mahurangi College in Warkworth. Barely
in her teens, she already has a couple of years under her belt as a talented
multi-instrumentalist and has been performing covers to impressed audience both
live and on YouTube (he can play more than 200 to be exact). This is her debut EP titled Dark As Life. Original material that she
composed, arranged, played and produced.
“The 4 tracks on Dark As Life critically examine the concept of freedom
and some of the more dysfunctional developments in our society from the
perspective of a Kiwi teen”.
Don’t let her tender age fool you; this is one very talented young girl. She has written songs which are thoughtful and thought provoking. There is a serious message in hers songs accompanied by a sound that far outweighs her years. I would describe her guitar playing as moody, a perfect accompaniment to her lyrics and vocals.
This is taking the teenage poetry writing of my youth to an extra level. Seven Zen has taken deep thinking and soul searching to another elevation, launching straight into killings in American schools. A song she has written about the gun laws called Preventative Measures. There is no candy floss on this album. It is real and dark.
The distorted guitar sound, which resonates in places particularly on track 4 Escapees, actually compliments the mood of the EP. Not bad at all for someone who has only been playing the guitar for three years.
Drawn to dark and gritty music, you can hear the musician’s which influence Seven Zen in this album. David Bowie, Nick Cave, The Doors and Pink Floyd, just to name a few. And as teenagers have done for many years, she loves to rummage through her parent's records. This could explain her somewhat sophisticated taste in music.
I am impressed by the maturity and insightful nature of this EP coming from someone so youthful. She is already a skilful songwriter and musician. This is another reason why we should be excited about the future of NZ music. And there are so many of them.
“Dark poetry at the speed of life.”
About Seven Zen
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Seven Zen
Releases
Other Reviews By Corinne Rutherford
Ms. Mia - EP Review: Living In The Shadows
06 Jun 2024 // by Corinne Rutherford
Born in Manila and residing in Auckland, Mia Caintic AKA Ms. Mia has just released her 5-track debut EP Living In The Shadows.
Read More...
Casual Healing - Album Review: Driftwood
13 May 2024 // by Corinne Rutherford
When you fly Air New Zealand, there may be a chance you have heard one of the latest singles Mauri Tau from Wellington based musician Nikau Te Huki, who goes under the name of Casual Healing on his 12-track solo project titled Driftwood. This is one of two tracks released from the self-produced debut album.
Read More...
Album Review: Levity Beet And The Aotearoa All Stars
30 Apr 2024 // by Corinne Rutherford
Golden Bay's multiple award-winning children’s music artist Levity Beet is well regarded in his field. Three times APRA Children's Song of the Year winner and two times Tui Children's Musician of the Year, he knows a thing or two about producing heartwarming, entertaining and amusing music which captures the hearts and minds of our children.
Read More...
Ersha Island - EP Review: Back To Our Roots
29 Feb 2024 // by Corinne Rutherford
Classically trained duo Dani and Tee are Ersha Island, Auckland based musicians with a contemporary style which has been described as indie-folk. They began their journey in Guangzhou, China on Ersha Island, hence their name.
Read More...
Eden Mulholland - Album Review: A Bee Might Bite My Nose
21 Dec 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Funny, Kooky and gently melancholic at times is one description of respected Australasian composer, songwriter and collaborator Eden Mulholland (Ngati Porou). His most recent release is channeled by a very cute teddy bear.
Read More...
Jessica Leigh - EP Review: Lightbeam
03 Nov 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based Nelsonian, singer, songwriter and producer Jessica Leigh has recently released her third EP Lightbeam. Changing tack from her previous EP in 2021, the acoustic guitars and strings have given way to full synthpop sound with an 80's inspired vibe.
Read More...
Michèle Ducray - EP Review: Throne Of Mine
05 Oct 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Mysterious and sinister themes such as horror combined with the colourful characteristics of circus life are the inspiration behind emerging dark-pop artist Michèle Ducray's debut EP Throne Of Mine. The balance of both dark and light create a fresh and original sound that is complex as it is identifiable.
Read More...
Sam Heselwood - EP Review: Home Is Where The Heart Is
19 Sep 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Ex rugby player turned singer-songwriter Sam Heselwood has recently released his 5 track EP Home Is Where The Heart Is. Originally from Christchurch, the indie-pop musician has delivered poignant, beautifully composed music which aims straight for the heart.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
