Zachary Mason opens his EP “5…4…3…2…1…” with a big idea and a playful spirit, and that combination gives the release a strong identity right away. Built around the story of humanity leaving a dying Earth and heading to Mars, the EP has a clear concept behind it, but it never gets stuck in its own setup. The opening title track brings humor, odd details, and a slightly warped psychedelic touch that gives the whole project a lively start. It is imaginative, a little strange in the best way, and easy to enjoy because Zachary knows how to keep the music engaging while letting the story unfold. What works so well here is the way Zachary keeps everything moving with personality. The sci-fi angle could have turned cold or distant in someone else’s hands, but he gives it warmth and character. There is wit in the writing, and there is also a thoughtful side to it that keeps the songs from becoming novelty pieces. That balance helps the EP stay memorable. It sounds like a release made by someone who enjoys experimenting, but also understands how to shape those ideas into songs people can connect with.
The title track also gets a boost from the people involved in making it. Nate Barnes handles the drums, John Thomasson plays bass, and Derrick Lin takes care of mixing and mastering. Those contributions help give the song a strong backbone while Zachary’s more offbeat ideas stay front and center. You can hear the care that went into the arrangement, and that gives the EP a polished finish without sanding away its character. It still sounds personal, which is one of its biggest strengths. I like that this EP does not try to flatten its quirks. Zachary lets the strange parts stay strange, and that gives the music charm. I also like how the project carries a sense of fun while still sounding thoughtful, which made me want to keep listening.
There is also something encouraging about where this release lands in Zachary Mason’s story. This is his first EP and his longest release since his debut album “Songs”, and it comes from an artist who has already built a large body of work since 2021. That creative drive shows up here. You get the sense that he is still pushing himself, still trying new ideas, and still enjoying the process of making music. That curiosity gives “5…4…3…2…1…” a real pulse. If you have not checked out Zachary Mason yet, this EP is a very good place to start. “5…4…3…2…1…” has imagination, charm, and enough personality to keep you coming back for another listen. Make sure to follow Zachary Mason on social media and keep this EP in your playlist rotation, because artists who put this much character into their work are always worth keeping up with.
