Dear listeners and readers of Soundville,

I’ve found an incredible EP for you ‘Absinthe’ by Michael Zucker. Michael Zucker from Denver is no stranger to the music industry, with 40 solo albums to his name, many of which are available on Spotify. He currently plays with Denver bands Musuji and ZEW, while also drumming for the folk-rock group Living Easy. ‘Absinthe’ is a mesmerizing experimental rock release with a conceptual and dark sound that unveils the complex, multi-layered soul of the artist. The EP consists of six tracks, each brimming with the raw intensity of psychedelic and alternative rock. If you’re seeking a release that will freeze time and fill your space with powerful rock vibes, turn it up loud.

‘Blood Wound’ seeps into your consciousness with languid guitars, soft string sweeps, and lush ambient arrangements. It’s a slow track that creates an aura of mystery, fully immersing you in its unique experimental sound. The track transforms with the arrival of the vocal line, which seems to float in its own space between the chords. This experiment feels like dissolving into space, with a complete detachment from reality. Then comes ‘Bite Down Hard,’ the main single of the release, bringing the necessary weight to the sound. The drums tear through the atmosphere with fierce intensity, while the heavy guitars maintain a steady rhythm, fully grabbing your attention. The structure of ‘Bite Down Hard’ is incredibly stylish and unique for rock music. What started off slow and steady with just a hint of tension explodes into a volcanic eruption. The fast pace, the heavy sound plunging into the abyss of dark harmonies, is absolutely engulfing.

Michael Zucker experiments with his release, and with ‘This Is Why We Don’t Have Nice Things,’ synthetic pads, cosmic swells, and a complex structure burst into the sound. This track reveals Michael Zucker as a professional of intricate sound, who, despite the number of elements, textures, and harmonies, still sounds emotional and really cool. You hear it too, right?

The hypnotically groovy music from the EP shifts moods and fills you with energy. When listening to Michael Zucker’s music, you can never predict what’s coming next. The same goes for ‘Kink’ its dark, minor tones wrap around you with unsettling chords, and only the clear guitars offer some hope. I love how the guitars shimmer, almost as if they’re having a conversation, with each instrument expressing different emotions, all tied together by the light and misty vocals.

The vocals on this EP have a special power, capable of being a ray of light in the dark or a fatal downfall. That’s exactly how ‘Ambulate’ feels, with its bright sound and unrestrained performance. The drums and guitars keep the energy at its peak, not letting the song reach its climax too soon. But when the climax hits, it crashes down quickly into soft acoustic guitar swells and an indie pop rock atmosphere. I have to admit, this is my favorite track! The incredible work with the song’s structure is just mind-blowing. Perfect!

The release wraps up with ‘Love Is Not Enough,’ and it completely shuffles the deck. It’s soft electronics with lo-fi vibes and the hazy romance of a bedroom setting. The shifts in moods and genres in ‘Absinthe’ go beyond expectations, leaving you with a lingering sense of anticipation and doubt – will fiery hard rock burst out in the next measure? The soft keys soothe an unsettled mind, while the dense vocals pull you into the darkness. The guitars take the lead, adding their share of pain and despair to the sound. I love the cracking backing vocals, reflecting the duality of emotions. An incredibly cool track, closing the release with a desire to hear, feel, and experience more! Oh, how awesome it was, just unreal! I recommend everyone listen to the EP ‘Absinthe’ by Michael Zucker to feel how music can shift and transform from genre to genre, while keeping its unique, anxious, and dark aura.

Hey, Michael Zucker! Thank you for releasing such experimental and awesome music. I felt freedom in this release genuine creative freedom in expressing thoughts, ideas, and moods. You can feel it in every track, and that’s why your release has such impeccable energy that grabs you right away. This approach makes the release universal, appealing to both fans of heavy music and experimental electronics. That’s amazing and valuable. I’ll show this release to all my friends, let them hear this unique and unparalleled rock music. Perfect, and I want more. I’m your fan!

FB @michaelzuckerrocks
IG @michael_zucker