"Things are looking up / I really can’t complain / (Shit) I still do / But believe me I / I recognize / These are the good ol’ days..."
The warm blissful emotional abstractions of "Things Are Looking Up" by Degler, the project of Boise, Idaho based singer-songwriter / multi-instrumentalist Zack Degler, has the hairs on the back of my neck standing on edge and embers of happiness glowing inside me. The bittersweet fires, the slow but persistent and punchy cadence, Degler's vocal persona and entrancing vocal sound (with gorgeous self harmonies) and forays in to stunning, progressive leaning musical breaks has me feeling a time transporting emotional dance that feels aligned with the sophisticated pop indie rock tones of 70's artists like 10cc, Godley & Creme, Barclay James Harvest and Harry Nilsson as well as more contemporary artists like Andy Shauf, Fruit Bats, Father John Misty to name a few. This is not to say that this track sounds like any of these artists as Degler, here, is mining his own sound entirely and his compelling compositional senses feels so beautifully deep and fulfilling to me.
The credits feature Zachary Degler on vocals, guitar, bass, piano, Cooper Trail on piano, synthesizer and Jens Kuross on drums.
From LINER NOTES (between brackets):
["Degler" was born out of a period of significant transformation for Zack. It explores the chaotic struggle of relapse, and the serene, hopeful moments between episodes. Recording in a limited space saw Zack trying a lot of new things to achieve his sound.
"Experimenting with different recording and vocal techniques and getting input from fellow musicians and friends has been a thrilling process,” says Degler. “It’s been a delight to create something that resonates so deeply with me. Hopefully it will with others too."
"Things Are Looking Up" is the debut single from Boise-based indie rock artist, Degler. It is an anthem of gratitude and self-acceptance. This song was written in a time of reconstruction, in the cautiously blissful, but fragile days of a newfound sobriety. A celebration of a renewed fervor for life, as well as a reminder to be gentle with ourselves in the hard times, and voracious in the good times.]
"Things Are Looking Up", to me feels at once timeless but also nostalgic and maybe, nostalgic, because I am an old dog. I look forward to delving into Degler's present and future offerings. Culturally, politically, times are uncertain, the advent of AI has all art standing on a weird razor thin line of choices and anytime technology advances their are push backs towards more organic ways of doing things. So maybe it will be ok in the end (at least when it comes to art).
"Things are looking up,
I really can’t complain,
(Shit) I still do…"
I really can’t complain,
(Shit) I still do…"
-Robb Donker Curtius
THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM
https://degler.bandcamp.com/track/things-are-looking-up
https://www.instagram.com/_degler_/
https://www.facebook.com/deglermusic/
Degler is the project of Zack Degler, the Boise, Idaho based songwriter and musician. Degler offers a rich blend of genres, emotions and sonic experimentation that takes listeners on an introspective expansive journey.
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