By Juan Zambrano
Energy Czar, the latest single by Vancouver rockers The Zolas, is an infectious yet chilling reminder of nature’s dominance over humanity.
At its core, Energy Czar follows the structural blueprint of tracks like Outkast’s Hey Ya, by putting a cheery melody to lyrics that are anything but. In this case, bouncy electric guitars and fast drums play backdrop to Mother Nature’s cold perspective on humanity’s daily endeavours.
Vocalist Zach Gray steps into Mother Nature’s shoes throughout, musing on how people have coasted on the earth’s resources throughout their lives, always wanting more and leaving the earth and its resources to play catch up. “It’s so messed up. Human hearts never stop,” Gray sings, with an energy befitting the musical accompaniment yet subtly evoking the frustration felt by nature at humanity’s indulgence.
Things begin boiling over in the next verse, as Gray steps over to humanity’s side delivering a dire warning that their joyride through nature is “forecast to crash with the sun.” Mother Nature has had enough and is ready to take back her domain by any means necessary.
This warning comes to pass at the chorus. “Buildings falling down. Baby cut the lights.” The whole human empire proves itself incomparable to the planet’s night, crumbling into dust until nothing remains, not even the question of nature’s power. Earth is the Energy Czar and those who live in its kingdom are its servants and reapers. It’s a poetic reflection on what Gray describes as “a cynical world,” and one that rings shockingly true in todays’ global landscape.
Energy Czar’s reflection on human beings’ relationship with nature is a sobering prediction of where the joyride of indulgence and hubris will ultimately lead. It’s only fitting then, that the music accompanying this reflection perfectly embody humanity’s high throughout the joyride. The bouncy combination of drums and guitars build in power as the song progresses, culminating in the instrumental equivalent to a rollercoaster drop at the chorus. Even as the joyride reaches its peak, however, the lyrics’ somber tone simmers underneath. This, like any song that successfully mixes contrasting tones, is ultimately Energy Czar’s greatest strength. The fact that this strength is showcased at maximum makes Energy Czar a standout within its musical niche, for all the right reasons.
Energy Czar marks The Zolas return to recording after their album Swooner in 2016. The track was conceived by vocalist Zach Gray, recorded at Vancouver’s 604 Records studio and co-produced by The Zolas and James Younger. If this is a taste of what’s to come, then The Zolas are in fine form to face whatever comes next.
