Zach Bolen is best known as front man of internationally known rock act Citizens & Saints, 1001 is Bolen’s first foray into solo territory. Already drawing comparisons to Andy Hull, The Shins and Bright Eyes, the Seattle native’s gritty, bare bones release will prove the artist as a powerful force in the indie music scene.
1001 drops June 3rd, 2016 on BC Music.
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The Next Jon Foreman| Posted June 15, 2016
Seattle has just gained its newest up-and-coming solo artist. As the frontman of Citizens & Saints, Zach Bolen has consistently provided a unique set of vocals to each one of their songs. Now his solo release 1001 has completely exceeded my expectations. Not only is it chock-full of expressive lyrics, but the music is wonderfully intriguing and innovative-- something many current artists lack.
The album opens with the catchy "95, which paints a picture of wanderlust over many a guitar riff. It melts into the slightly more mellow "Stay Runaway," where an ever-changing chord progressions and dreamy guitar patterns balance out the vibrato organ in the background. The guitar solo toward the end adds so much more energy to the song, especially when paired with Zach's singing.
"What They Will Never Find" is of the poppy variety and includes plucked guitar, organ chords and a driving beat... that is, until the tempo completely changes and it becomes more slow and deliberate. The lyrics are just as whimsical: "Hop in my rocket, let's fly through outer space and then dance on the moon / And if we get real cold, we could dive into the sun / I don't ever want this dream to come undone."
One enjoyable aspect of 1001 is the fact that the love ballads Zach has penned are far from cliché. For example, in "Holding You Close" he croons, "There's a mystery to her being that has drawn me into the foreground of angelic flow." This song in particular tugs on one's heartstrings and brings back a rush of romantic memories spent with a significant other: "Your beauty fills the silence of a thousand years / With my shoulder up against your face." Similarly, on "Without Conditions" Zach proclaims to the world, "I won't let go of you, not ever / You'll always be my baby girl."
In "Leave Me Alone" and "I Will Let You Down," Bolen wears his heart on his sleeve and conveys emotion in a raw and powerful manner. Both songs are about relationships, but are approached in a melancholy manner. In addition, "I Will Let You Down" contains a beautiful guitar solo amidst the sadness.
"Give It Time" almost ventures into the vast realm of country-pop, which works in context. All about mending a broken friendship, Zach pleads, "How are we to be united if our hands are wrought with sin?" In the closing track "Carry On," Zack painfully sings an emotional tune about the experience of dying and leaving loved ones behind. Get your tissues ready before listening to this one.
The Bottom Line: Zach Bolen's 1001 is the best singer-songwriter album I have heard since Jon Foreman's The Wonderlands-- in fact, I would go so far as to say Zach Bolen will become the next Jon Foreman. Perfect for road trips and rainy days alike, 1001 is a must-have.
Song to Download Now:
"95" (Get it on iTunes here.)
to add lyrics if not listed.
