Zeros
At only 21 and already signed to Columbia Records, Declan McKenna is making waves with his grandiose and glammy art rock, inspired by the 70s UK scene. He’s openly stated that he hopes to follow in Bowie’s footsteps, and you can see those influences clearly. However, his rocket is still on the launch pad, not quite ready for takeoff. McKenna may view himself as a modern revivalist, blending past aesthetics and lyrical themes with a fresh twist. There’s plenty of glitz and glamour across "Zeros," with big, bold moments, but at its core, it’s still pop rock ready for the mainstream. Despite this, his pop rock stands out because of his elaborate presentation and his knack for weaving intricate themes into his music. McKenna is a much more compelling lyricist than many of his peers, diving into political themes that are surprising for someone so young. Yet, it sometimes feels like we’re being led to believe McKenna is more revolutionary than he really is. They’ll point out his Bowie influence while he delivers a pop tune reminiscent of Harry Styles on "The Key to Life on Earth." They’ll praise his freshness while he echoes the synth-rock vibes of The 1975 on "Daniel, You’re Still a Child." Yes, McKenna brings a unique ferocity that sets him apart from many of his contemporaries, and his use of electric guitar and arena-style anthems gives him an edge, but he’s not as different as you might think. "Zeros" is still an impressive sophomore release. Despite his youth, McKenna shows incredible control and creative energy, making him a voice to watch in the coming years. There’s plenty of potential here, and as he matures, he’s likely to step out of the shadows and truly stand out. For now, though, McKenna doesn’t quite separate himself enough from the pop rock crowd to convince us he’s completely different. His music has merit, and it’s certainly impressive; just don’t be fooled into thinking it’s something it’s not.
DECLAN MCKENNA - ZEROS
RATING - 7.7/10
FAVORITE TRACKS - Emily, Rapture
GENRE - Indie, Folk, Rock, Glam, Pop