“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” These words couldn’t better encapsulate Zach Blew’s brand new album. “Away at Sea” delicately portrays the internal conflict of a man who repeatedly attempts to steer his life in a different direction, and as is the case in any profound story, he succeeds in doing so. Blew infuses each song on the album with something magical and unique, while his music as a whole, along with his vocals, is distinctly unconventional yet effortlessly uplifting. He addresses important, sometimes timeless questions, infusing them with his own experiences, each of which is as unique as each one of us. The world of “Away at Sea” is precise, architectural, and exact, with each detail serving as a reflection of Zach Blew’s state of mind at a particular moment in his life.

photo by Jon Jacobsen

Blew’s journey was far from smooth sailing. He wrestled with some deep-seated inner conflicts, especially when it came to embracing his identity as a gay artist. Those struggles weighed him down, keeping him from truly connecting with his emotions and stifling his creativity. It felt like he was stuck in place, unable to move forward.

But then, in 2021, something shifted. Blew made the decision to explore plant medicine, but it wasn’t a choice he took lightly. He had been pondering it for a while, feeling a strong desire for inner peace and clarity. He figured maybe diving into the world of plant medicine could help him find the answers he was searching for and break free from the constraints he put on himself. hindsight, Blew understood that this journey wasn’t just about seeking answers; it was about self-discovery and healing. And somehow, it all led to an album, one that felt like a revelation, aptly titled “Away at Sea.” It captured the essence of his journey—the struggle, the introspection, and the ultimate liberation.

“Away at Sea” wouldn’t exactly fit the bill as your typical folk album. Sure, it has that mellow, acoustic vibe, but there’s something trendier going on here. Teaming up with producer Kevin Ann Dye, Blew decided to switch things up, trading in the acoustic guitar for a full-on electric sound. The result? A unique blend that Blew describes as having a “mature/darker edge.”

photo by Jon Jacobsen

Blew wanted the album to be a whole experience. Collaborating with artists like Jon Jacobsen, they brought the nautical theme of the album to life with stunning visuals. And then there’s Blew’s “crew” of inner parts, as he likes to call them. The perfectionist, the dominator, the controller – they all played a role in shaping “Away at Sea”.

The album kicks off with “Whirlpool,” a breezy orchestral track with a subtle hint of soul jazz that creates a feeling of a completely fresh sound, all while infusing elements of classic and vintage flair, giving it that timeless appeal. Then, in “Film,” the atmosphere takes on a stylish commercial shade, thanks to its smooth R&B beat and light guitar strumming. Zach Blew intentionally veers away from the classic guitar sound in favor of an electric guitar, a choice that significantly influences the vibe, making “Film” sound sensuous, stylish, and sexy.

film direction by Jon Jacobsen

“Away at Sea” is filled with melancholy and a gentle sadness that feels like acceptance and reevaluation. The album’s mood oscillates from lightness to passion, acquiring new textures and sounds, offering the listener a fresh perspective on album structures. In the tender “Candle,” the minimalist atmosphere and the musician’s memorable vocals, accompanied by numerous choruses, tug at the heartstrings. But to not dwell too long in melancholy, “Still In My System” and “Bicycle” completely shift the album’s sound, offering vibrant pop tracks. “Still In My System” with its powerful melody development and almost funky guitar hooks grabs attention. Blew experiments with sound, adding violins that create an entirely new impression, while “Bicycle” sounds like the ultimate hit for any party—light, stylish, flawless.

The album concludes with melancholic and tender folk tracks “Second Son” and “Yes.” I love how airy, almost dream-pop-esque “Second Son” sounds, transforming the musician’s folk sound into something mature and contemporary. Blew’s unique sound fully unfolds in the tender finale, “Yes.” The sensual beat, light guitars, and the musician’s voice create the most delicate folk-pop track you’ve ever heard. It’s a perfect ending to an album you’ll want to listen to again and again. It’s a release about life, about the soul and embracing oneself and the world through pain, suffering, and tears.

And know that it’s getting even more interesting with what Zach has in store for his show on April 27th at the 04 Center in Austin, Texas. If he continues with this maritime theme at his concerts, it promises to be truly incredible. Imagine: an atmosphere filled with the scent of salty air and the sounds of waves, combined with Zaсh’s music – it’s something you definitely won’t want to miss.

Be sure to grab your ticket through this link – tomorrow might already be sold out!

Connect with Zach Blew via Instagram

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub