Zack Keim explores coming-of-age stories in ‘Battery Lane’

Recommended Tracks: “Wash Away The Pain,” “25 Years,” “Incredible”

Artists You May Like: Caamp, Peach Fuzz

Singer-songwriter Zack Keim has just released his second album, Battery Lane, an earnest journey through love, loss and longing. Released on Super Sport Records and produced by Animal Scream, Battery Lane is fun, cozy and nostalgic, in the best possible ways.

The album kicks off with “Canyon,” an immediate burst of energy that is inviting and comforting. Its bubbly tone and nostalgic lyrics set the tone for the rest of the record, with a pleasant melody that embraces the listener. “Better Days” soon follows, keeping up the energy while also bringing in a sense of longing in its words, which is the main connecting thread across Battery Lane. Keim’s emotionally charged vocals intertwine with a surprisingly intricate combination of sounds and influences, all working in favor of the storytelling.

One of the standouts of the record is the instrumental “Woodley Park,” a beautiful short intermission that stops the listener in their tracks. The track also moves the tone of the album in a different direction, away from the high-energy openers and into softer, more introspective elements. As we dive deeper into the story, the complexity of the arrangements becomes more apparent, with a vibe reminiscent of The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds in its depth of sound. The nostalgic feel is at its strongest in “Washington D.C.,” a soft and melancholic look into a town filled with memories long gone.

“25 Years” takes yet another sharp turn with a frantic sound and raw vocals, followed by the previously released folk-heavy “Alice.” Always introspective, Keim’s dylanesque vocal tones shine through in “Colors,” an anthem for those looking to bring a glimmer of hope into an otherwise dark world. The romantic “Comet” softly brings the album to a close, with an ethereal feel that allows the listener to drift off and enjoy the feeling.

Battery Lane brings a cinematic listening experience that captures you from the very beginning, and keeps you looking forward to the next chapter of the story. Zack Keim’s soothing vocals and enveloping words are the main element all throughout, in sync with a harmonious, warm soundscape that allows us to escape and reminisce.