Zachary Durham – Mural Vol. 2: Subtract Me, Delete Us [EP]

Zachary Durham‘s latest offering, Mural Vol. 2: Subtract Me, Delete Us, is a record that delves into the intricacies of love and heartache, with a sound that is both refreshing and engaging. Durham‘s slick fusion of jazz and soul elements births a dope audio scene that immerses listeners in the raw emotions flowing through each tune.

“Intro” launches the album, delivering a smooth and magnetic vibe that paves the way for the remaining head-nodding tunes on the record. Zach‘s falsetto harmonizes beautifully with the jazzy beat, creating an atmosphere of warmth and charisma. The track’s smoldering atmosphere pays homage to the heyday of neo-soul, establishing the mood for the rest of the project’s stirring cuts.

“Play My Part” emerges as a daring exploration of a clandestine love affair. Durham‘s candid lyrics and sultry voice draw the listener into the passionate rendezvous, while the fusion of soul, funk, and hip-hop elements creates an alluring and unforgettable sound. The track’s soundscape, boasting a buttery keyboard and a pulsating bassline, intensifies the seductive vibe, setting it apart as a standout gem on the album. The heartfelt journey rolls on with “October Blues,” as the track steers through the rough waves of a love gone sour. Poignant lyrics and a somber trumpet solo capture the emotional turmoil of a relationship’s end, while the rich arrangement showcases Zachary‘s ability to convey raw emotion through music. And the track’s understated jazz guitar contributes depth to the sonic scenery, fostering a captivating yet calming aura that stays with the listener.

The sunny and upbeat vibe of “One Cry” juxtapose the raw emotion of heartbreak laid out in the song’s lyrics. Zach‘s delicate tenor takes on a steelier, “love me or leave me alone” attitude as the tune sings of finality and the realization that a relationship may not be worth saving. The song’s bridge, graced by guest singer Kay Lashea‘s sweet vocals, enhances its “yeah I’m kinda blue, but the sun is out and my day’s going good so far” feel of the piece and adds a breezy dimension to the track. This segues beautifully into “Slow Down” – a funky, danceable track that transports the listener to the dance floor with its nostalgic 80’s vibe. The lyrics tell the story of someone cautiously wanting to pump the breaks on a sex-fueled affair, while the infectious groove keeps you moving. No question about it, this track sits among my top picks on the album, instantly setting off a shoulder-rocking reflex every time it hits my ears.

“Subtract Me, Delete Us,” the album’s climax, is an emotionally charged track that explores the difficult decision to leave a toxic relationship. The song’s modern R&B beat and jazzy overtones create an undeniably infectious sound, while Durham‘s delicate, airy tenor voice adds a layer of vulnerability and sensitivity to the bittersweet theme. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the internal turmoil that comes with the end of a tumultuous love affair, connecting with everyone who has experienced the pain of letting go.

To sum things up, Mural Vol. 2: Subtract Me, Delete Us not only hits home with R&B and neo-soul fans but also touches on Zach Durham‘s dedication to diving into modern jazz with equal zeal. The smooth blending of these genres offers a one-of-a-kind listening experience that hits the mark for both jazz and soul enthusiasts, solidifying this EP as a gotta-hear project for those seeking a novel approach to these timeless musical styles.

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