It took me a while — and many repeat listens — to make the connection between the classic rock influences that Zachary Mason’s “Sweetheart” draws from. And trust me, once you hear it, it can’t be unheard. Vocally, the track channels T. Rex, while musically it pays homage to Neil Young & Crazy Horse. It’s a clever and effective brew that Mr. Mason has cooked up. There’s also a hint of Bob Dylan in there… maybe even a touch of Tom Petty. I suppose it doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that this is a stellar alt-rock track.
There’s a lot to love production wise. Opening with just vocals and guitar is a smart move — it leaves plenty of room for the song to grow, which it does gradually as the bass and drums come into play. Crucially, Mason stays faithful to the era the track represents: the ’90s. It would have been easy to overload the coda with layers of keyboards and stacked vocal harmonies, but he resists that temptation. He understands that less is more, opting instead for some fiery guitar solos. A perfect choice.
“Sweetheart” is a fantastic offering from Zachary Mason, tackling the power of love — hardly a new subject, but one that few handle as well as this 28-year-old Guildford rocker. If you have a soft spot for ’90s alt-rock, this track is for you.
Listen here: "Sweetheart"
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Review by staff at MBTM
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