A new talent carving out a unique niche in the music world, Zenith Moon Rising has recently released his latest EP, ‘Before Anyone Knew My Name’, a deeply personal journey expressed not through words, but through the guitar. A solo endeavour where the instrument truly takes centre stage, the EP sets out to prove that music can captivate and communicate profoundly even without a vocalist.
It's an EP where technical process meets raw emotion, creating a sound that feels both contemporary and rooted in classic guitar heroism, or as Zenith Moon Rising puts it, it's where "modern Gen Z guitar meets boomers." A three-track collection, the EP explores emotion at its most honest and potent, taking lead from the artist’s own experiences. As he shared, it was "written during a time when I was really sick and was just crying for help."
The EP opens with ‘Celestial Sadness’, a short intro that clocks in at just over a minute. Despite its brevity, it sets an immediate tone of introspection as a lonesome guitar solo drifts into focus. Textured by light atmospherics that seem to hang gracefully in the foreground, there’s an effortless eloquence and drifting feel throughout. It’s a track that looks to build the mood of the EP, offering free-flowing and almost improvisational vibes that lean heavily into progressive and jazz-tinged sensibilities.
The title track, ‘Before Anyone Knew My Name’, injects a vibrant surge of energy. It’s a more structured and upbeat piece, revealing a pop sound that shines beneath the surface. With its brighter chords and backing instrumentation, it’s more complete and just as expressive. The guitar remains the undeniable focal point, driving a dynamic track built around a central melody. While there are moments where the various elements feel like they’re vying for attention, an overarching sense of liberation and enjoyment shines through.
Closing the EP is ‘Because It Was Real’, a standout track brimming with flair and cohesion. It moves seamlessly between powerful, pronounced rock moments and softer, glistening passages. This final piece feels like it would feel right at home among some of Polyphia’s early albums, showcasing a confident and compelling sound, and a keen ear for progressive compositions.
This EP is a unique melting pot where various moments and elements meet. Genres blend and mix, while the emotion shines clear and true, constantly drawing you in. While short, it’s a compelling introduction to Zenith Moon Rising, and it certainly deserves your attention.
For more from the artist, including snippets of his upcoming releases, be sure to follow him on YouTube and TikTok.
