On his debut EP, Zichy releases a distinct blend of Afrobeats, that’s sure to render listeners spellbound and captivate music lovers across the globe.
On the EP opener, Zichy states his intentions and makes them pixel clear, with a voice over providing meaningful insight and highlighting the core elements of its grooves and the fact that it’s meant to be a good time. It seamlessly segues into rhythmic guitar riffs and a punchy up-tempo beat, that opens Lifestyle, a diaristic delve into Zichy’s aspirations and prominent habits. His headspace is simply one who intends to live life to the fullest, and give gratitude to the powers that made it possible. His delivery fills up most pockets of the beat and is one that simply elevates the instrumentals.
Jerusalem heads down the visceral path of African percussion and gyrating grooves. The sentiment here is romantic and pretty straightforward. Zichy is in love and wants to spoil his love interest with luxury and the most sophisticated of things. His verse and S.N.E’s are competent ones, but the chorus isn’t as strong as the preceding track. Get Down has a Konto twist to its pop beat arrangement and Kaey understands the assignment, riding the beat like a stallion with her lush vocals and smooth cadence. Zichy gets outshined on the track, but it’s to the benefit of the track. It’s also a love song like Jerusalem, but is more geared towards the magic that sparks in little, intimate moments, as opposed to lavish ones.
Panty Drop is more of the up-tempo Afropop vibe from the preceding track, but with subtle Dancehall leaning in the production. It’s the closest thing to a sensual record, and whilst there is a missed opportunity here to go into raunchy, vivid details that could have elevated the song’s pathos—Zichy’s delivery is competent nonetheless, with his writing and flows doing the beat justice. Confam doubles down on the drum rolls and grooves, but Zichy doesn’t replicate the same dynamism he had on previous tracks. Probably, because the song has the loosest narrative with him not saying anything substantial, asides the fact that his lover’s “loving na confirm.”
The EP ends on the same high note it started with. Like Lifestyle, Zichy sings about way of life but here, he looks more inwards and places his motivations and spiritual journey center stage, as opposed to the flashy lights and frenzied living that characterized Lifestyle. His delivery here is impressive, as he has a strong narrative to sing about and craft lyrics on also.
Zichy’s Deep Hearted Sound is stacked with range and versatility, offering something diverse for every listener. Whether it’s the sensual leanings of Panty Drop or the celebratory grooves of Confam—Zichy’s ability to blur the lines of differing genres seamlessly, stands out as his most defining feature.
