The Swiss trio Zabriskie have truly found their stride with their latest EP, ‘All Things Become Light’, a captivating five-track collection that perfectly marries the ethereal weight of shoegaze with the shimmering lightness of dream-pop. A lingering and expansive release, the EP feels like years well spent crafting their sonic identity, resulting in a sound that’s both expansive and intimately personal.
Their signature sound, heavily reliant on a sophisticated array of guitar effects like reverb, delay, and distortion, has been polished to a brilliant sheen on this EP. The production, hemmed by Slade Templeton at Influx Studios Bern/Berlin, lets the release breathe, with the songs effortlessly transitioning from delicate, ethereal passages to monumental, widescreen walls of sound. The vocals and guitar seamlessly blend into a dense, immersive texture, underpinned by a propulsive rhythm section of pulsating beats and intricate basslines.
The EP opens with ‘Just For Now’, a chilled-out yet uplifting track that invites listeners to get lost in its warm guitar tones and floaty vocal delivery. It's an immediate immersion into Zabriskie's world, building with each passing moment. At the heart of the EP, ‘Changes’ dives into the complex interplay of growth and confusion; it’s a sweeping play on echoey vocals carry an emotional depth that guides you through reflective lyrics and hopeful moments. The EP is a constant journey, one that ultimately concludes with ‘Diamonds’, a smooth, vibey piece that leaves a lasting, dreamy impression.
Alex Herter eloquently captures the essence of this evolution, stating: "I believe with this set of five songs we really found our voice, our sound. This is where we were heading to for a long time". He adds, "For me, music is something profoundly personal and emotional. Writing songs and lyrics takes me sometimes as far back as my childhood. When reflected in the music, everything starts to make sense."
‘All Things Become Light’ certainly feels like a moment of clarity and arrival for Zabriskie, a testament to their dedicated pursuit of a truly unique and compelling sound. This EP isn't just a collection of songs; it’s an invitation to experience music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
You can stream the EP above via Spotify and be sure to follow Zabriskie on Instagram and Facebook.