As regular readers already know, Emily Zuzik is an indie singer/songwriter based in New York. Having previously performed here in Los Angeles (and many other places) she has been active in the industry for over a decade. Her signature sound is a blend of electronic and alternative rock. Recently, Zuzik released her seventh album, The Wild Joys of Living.
This new work is officially credited to the Emily Zuzik Band. (The group consists of Zuzik on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, Wes Hutchinson on electric guitar, backing vocals, keyboards and percussion, Brian Killeen on bass and backing vocals and Ryan Vaughn on drums, percussion and backing vocals.) While this recording contains only 8 tracks it’s also filler free. Perhaps Zuzik believes in the old showbiz adage “always leave them wanting more”.
Zuzik starts off strong with the lead in, “You Want To Go Out Tonight?” which is one of her best tunes to date. This one—co-written with Hutchinson-- is a blues-tinged pop song that in attitude is vaguely reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt’s “Something To Talk About”. This is a catchy cut that screams “lead single”, which is the only reason it doesn’t earn critic’s choice. It garners enough praise and attention already! (This track is so good your crusty chronicler’s critical 13 year-old son, William Jared James Phoenix, made it through the entire track without punching the car stereo button to his favorite hip-hop radio station!)
The second selection, “Feels Like Rain”, is but the first example of Zuzik’s versatile vocals. Here she takes it down a notch in this Tom Glynn co-authored song. It’s a nice transitional track between the power pop piece to the next number, “Motels”. “Motels” is a surprising piece in that it features an easy sing-a-long chorus and comparatively controversial lyrics that prove that Zuzik can get down and dirty too but in an intelligent, clever manner. This cut cries out MTV video, folks and don’t be afraid of the “explicit" label it’s been given by some sources. It’s not rap nasty it’s just a bit bolder than a some of her other material, mmmkay?
Zuzik continues to show us what she’s made of with tunes like “You’re The One” and “Outside”. In fact, the entire disc features a nice mix of musical genres such as adult alternative and pop rock. Included here are racy rockers and beatific ballads. Her songwriting and singing is comparable to that of Sheryl Crow—and on this disc—even Liz Phair. Mind you, she always makes sure her audience knows it’s really her and no one else but by throwing in her own unique perspective.
Critic’s choice here goes to another of her bluesy pop pieces, “How Did You Get So Good?” Again, she sings with an earthy passionate feel that is somehow both reminiscent of other gals with guitars and yet still somehow very much her own. She draws you in with the comfort of familiarity and makes you her own with her own candor and style. This is perhaps one of her best songs ever.
“Step Back” follows as Zuzik continues to impress with her honest songwriting and her noteworthy vocal range. By the time the listener reaches the closing cut, “You Know When You Know” it is extremely obvious that the Emily Zuzik Band is a good combination of polished production, clever, thoughtful, humorous songwriting and a refreshing reflection of sharp new mesh of musicians.
My name is Phoenix and . . . that’s the bottom line.
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