A cosmic adventure that’s equal parts fun, funky, and full of heart
Zachary Mason’s new EP, 5…4…3…2…1…, is not your everyday rock release — it’s a little universe all of its own. With only three tracks, the EP manages to tell a complete story, taking listeners on a space-fuelled adventure that’s as imaginative as it is musically bold. Blending Space Rock, Psychedelic Rock, and Experimental sounds, Zachary invites us to strap in, press the red button, and blast off on a journey that’s both playful and thought-provoking.
The first song, “5…4…3…2…1…”, launches the story — quite literally — with humans preparing to escape a dying Earth. The countdown isn’t just in the title; it pulses through the rhythm and energy of the track. You can almost picture rockets lifting off as the guitars flare and drums thunder beneath. The sound is cosmic, a touch chaotic, and completely captivating. It’s a song about endings and beginnings — the bittersweet excitement of leaving behind the old to chase something new. There’s a twinkle of humour in the mix too, as if Zachary’s reminding us not to take even our interplanetary catastrophes too seriously.Then comes “The Funky Martians”, a track that bursts with personality and groove. This is where the EP’s fun-loving heart shines brightest. With its bouncing basslines (played by John Thomasson from Little Big Town) and punchy drumming by Nate Barnes of Rose Hill Drive, the song feels alive — as if Mars itself has a dance floor waiting for us. It tells the story of humans meeting their first Martian neighbours, who aren’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat. What follows is a bizarre, funny, and surprisingly groovy confrontation that ends not in war, but in pure musical triumph. The track’s psychedelic layers and cheeky tone make it feel like a lost gem from the golden age of British experimental rock.
Finally, “Earthsick” closes the EP on a more reflective note. After all the excitement, humanity realises that even on Mars, they can’t escape their longing for home. The tone softens; the humour gives way to melancholy. This song showcases Zachary’s poetic side — it’s full of feeling, with dreamy guitar echoes and a hint of sadness beneath the melody. The track captures the ache of nostalgia perfectly: the idea that no matter how far we travel, our hearts still orbit the world we came from. Together, these three songs create a story that’s both clever and moving. It’s science fiction told through sound — a sonic short film that mixes laughter, loneliness, and wonder in perfect balance. The production by Derrick Lin is crisp yet organic, giving each instrument room to shine. You can feel the collaboration and craftsmanship in every note. Zachary Mason, at just 28, proves once again that he’s not afraid to experiment. Like a modern-day musical explorer, he uses rock as his spaceship — blending the vintage charm of The Beatles and David Bowie with modern quirk and depth. 5…4…3…2…1… isn’t just about space; it’s about what happens to the human heart when it leaves home behind. Playful, poetic, and packed with imagination, this EP is a delightful listen for dreamers of all ages. If you’ve ever stared at the night sky and wondered what might be out there, Zachary Mason has your soundtrack ready. In short: 5…4…3…2…1… is a brilliant cosmic trip — witty, weird, and wonderfully human.
Rating: ★★★★★ – A small record with a big imagination and an even bigger heart.
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English