Written by: Alexandra Plumer
Our favorite niche internet micro-celebrity has finally released her first EP! Zeph’s debut EP scared of everything has scaled up some mini-songs released on the artist’s social media into full-length tracks and has introduced a few brand new songs to fans. Her lyrics are raw and relatable, leaving you wondering if Zeph’s been reading your own diary for song-writing inspiration. Laying bare her own insecurities and emotions, with dreamy bedroom pop sounds mixed with cinematic elements, this EP sounds like the soundtrack to the latest indie coming-of-age film. Entirely written, produced, and performed by the artist herself, the EP is refreshing and enchanting, showing off all of Zeph’s potential and strengths as an artist.
“are you?”, track five and the first single released from the EP (and Zeph’s first music video!), really shows Zeph’s strengths as a lyricist. The song starts with sweet, layered vocals over a simple beat and guitar before building into a more punchy pre-chorus and full-bodied poppy chorus. The song details the questioning and doubts of a partner in a one-sided relationship asking “Are you falling out of love? / Are you running out of time? / Tell me, do you not care for me anymore?”. The bridge is gorgeous, layering and building ethereal vocal lines with orchestral instruments before bursting into the chorus once more. Chances are, you’ll be scream-singing this in your car by the end of the song.
“friends or not” was released as a short on Zeph’s Instagram in mid-March 2020 before making it as track three, a full-length song on the EP. And thank God she expanded this track. With some extremely relatable lyrics and an extremely catchy tune, this is a personal favorite off of the EP. Once again, Zeph’s lyricism is the star of the show and is perfectly highlighted by her beautiful vocals. The production on this one is great, with a punchy beat throughout and little sparkling moments sprinkled in that you might have missed on your first few listens, making this track special every time you hit play on it.
The titular track “scared of everything”, the final song on the EP, is one of the most fun songs Zeph has released. The track is upbeat, danceable, and bedroom pop perfection with a little alt-rock moment thrown in. This song takes a slight step away from the rest of the EP’s sound, and the exploratory step out is perfect for a song confessing that she truly is “Scared of everything / Everything, evеrything / Everything at all”. The track is overall loose and fun, perfectly contrasting the high-anxiety, self-conscious lyrics. The playful juxtaposition is what helps make this track shine so brightly.
Zeph’s evolution has been a fun one to watch. Her progress from a few short songs on social media to a full-length EP has been inspiring and exciting. Zeph’s future is bright and I am so looking forward to her future projects!
