EP Review: Fractures ‘Fractures’
Words by Scenewave Australia - Published on July 21, 2014
Words by Kathleen Warren
As Fractures, Melbourne artist Mark Zito has released an eight track self-titled EP that builds and breathes with effortless elegance. A slow burn that improves with each listening, Fractures is an atmospheric and melancholic work of electronic pop. With layers of warm tones and soupy vocals, Fractures bares vulnerabilities and draws on your own in an exploration of heart and soul.
This is the first release for Zito, a Melbourne singer-producer who built the EP out of experimentation and minimalism. The standout single Twisted has seen enormous airplay across independent radio, displaying heartfelt vocals with sparse accompaniment. Twisted is filled with the ebb and flow of Zito’s atmospheric production that draws comparisons to artists like Chet Faker and James Blake.
The EP is also one of contrasts, with Zito drawing on a breadth of artists and styles for inspiration to create eight very different tracks. The opener, Embers, mixes vocal harmonies with spare accompaniment that builds to a driving chorus that envelopes you in the world of Fractures. The lashing guitar of Embers is then replaced by a Wurlitzer for the heartfelt and moody Cadence, the latest single from the EP that pulls you into infatuation with heartfelt lyrics telling you “just breathe, breath you in, just breathe.” It is a track that pulls you in with a sigh and leaves you with a gasp.
Fractures is a softly spoken heart-melter, with breathy falsettos, minimalist edging and electronic underlay that creates an ambience of introspection. Zito was forced to cancel his first live show following injury, but is planning on taking the release to the stage as soon as possible. Expansive tracks like his need space to swell and slide, and it would be interesting to see how his sound changes and adapts to a live music space. Hopefully, we will be seeing Fractures soon.
Fractures will be performing this weekend at Splendour in the Grass, as well as the following dates:
August 8: The Vanguard, Sydney
August 9: Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
Have a read of our recent interview here.
[…] gorgeous EP has received widespread airplay on independent radio and live (read our review here), Fractures is even more powerful. His new music has the same breathy quality that makes you lean in […]