Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

ZOE – Sun (2023)

In her debut single ‘Fire’, singer-songwriter ZOE explored the “essence of humanity, our core energy…it talks about finding home in each other and goes on to talk about the space that is left to grow when there is nothing left to find…” Oscillating between optimism and poignant melancholy, ‘Fire’ was indeed profound. Now with her single ‘Sun’, ZOE touches on positivity, unity, hope and the end of repetition in a dreamy pop soundscape.

Sonically interesting, creatively collaborative and an inspiring vision of a future with mutual respect, care and understanding, ‘Sun’ finds the line between organic and electronic. Created alongside producer David J Gillett and featuring Drew Goddard on drums and Travis Bryant on additional guitars, ‘Sun’ is the concept of unity from theme to production, from the beginning to the end. The second single and title track of her upcoming EP, it is deeply personal and significant. ZOE explains: “’Sun’ is a really important track for me because it defines the theme and sound of the EP…”

Retaining the whimsy of ‘Fire’ with a nostalgic flair taking us back to the pop sounds of the 1980s, ‘Sun’ twirls you about in a kaleidoscopic sonic haze. Bold guitars flit along the wall of sound with light drumbeats beneath opening the track with a gentle nature.

While ‘Sun’ opens with mellifluous flow this is a mere lulling into a false sense of security. A powerful crescendo of guitars matches crashing drums with a surge in ZOE’s vocals from delicate to forceful. I still liken ZOE to Kate Bush with sprinkles of Stevie Nicks, but there is a captivating modern-day vibe fluttering throughout ‘Sun’ pushing ZOE as a standout artist.

In addition to the single, ZOE released an official music video for ‘Sun’. This video can be on her official YouTube channel. Please note this video uses extensive lighting effects and image transitions from the outset that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.


For more from ZOE, check out her official website, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator