EP Review – ‘Spectrum’ by Zach Zoya

via UMUSIC / Universal Music Canada

'Spectrum' by Zach Zoya

'Spectrum' by Zach Zoya
4 5 0 1
4/5
Total Score
Good

On October 30th, Montreal-based rapper Zach Zoya released his highly anticipated debut solo EP, ‘Spectrum‘ through Universal Music Canada and Québécois label, 7ième Ciel. To top off his EP’s release, Zoya also dropped the Le GED-directed music video for “Patience” featuring UK-based artist, Angel. Throughout quarantine, Zoya gave fans a preview of ‘Spectrum’ through wild and righteous visuals, each music video representing his versatility on this project and what he has to offer as an artist.

When I spoke to Zach for the 8th issue of XMPL, we discussed his then-upcoming project and what he wanted to unveil on his debut solo EP. “I really want my introduction to showcase every little part of what I can do,” Zach explains. “Basically, I try to represent every emotion on a spectrum of the state of mind. Sometimes you just wanna party, sometimes you’re in a bad mood, sometimes you’re in a lovey-dovey, vulnerable… sometimes you’re full of confidence – you know? All the in-between so that’s really what the whole idea behind the tape is.”

Alongside concluding our summer with a hype cover feature on XMPL – the Rouyn-Noranda native also found himself on the cover of Apple Music’s “Northern Touch” playlist and received several highly prominent online features. With ‘Spectrum‘ signing off an intense and challenging year, Zach Zoya has made it clear that he’s here to stay and is ready to make his mark in the North.


Opening the 6-track EP with ‘Le Cap‘ – Zach starts it off smoothly right before shifting gears into a heavy-hitting and catchy tune as he shouts out his team while trying to make it through, with lyrics like “These days, I don’t put my trust in no one but the team.” The first track has me amped up for the next song.

The second track on the project, ‘Pillz,’ also produced by longtime collaborator and friend, Bougo – changes lanes and offers a vibe you can chill out to while on the road. ‘Pillz’ combines the classic 8-bit sound with R&B, showing Zach’s contrasting ability.

In Da Way,’ the third track on the EP – Zach goes H.A.M and asserts himself as an artist and reminds everyone to simply get out of his way. This is definitely one of those tracks you can train to – as it amplifies both the artist and the listener.


Zach switches it up yet again for the fourth track, ‘Stick By You‘ – where the Montreal rapper displays his melodic range on this R&B-influenced track. Staying on brand with the R&B mood, Zach explores the challenges of being without “the one” while on the rise to success, with lyrics like “What’s the point of being fly if I can’t have you here to witness? I’m just barely getting by, yeah I need you right here.”

The fifth track, ‘Patience‘ received additional production assistance by renowned Canadian producer and songwriter, Boi-1da alongside producer Matt Burnett and co-producer Don Mills. The track also includes a fire feature with UK-based R&B singer Angel. Staying on the breezy side, ‘Patience’ is a song that reminds us to be patient and the things we want will eventually come to us even when things get rough.

Closing out the 18:05-minute project, Zach Zoya concludes his solo debut with his lead single and sixth track, ‘Slurpee.’ The NeoMaestro-produced banger had set the stage for ‘Spectrum’ and left fans anticipating what Zoya had set in motion earlier this summer. ‘Slurpee’ ends the EP off with a riot right before you find yourself hitting that replay button.

“Zach Zoya’s Spectrum is a rollercoaster of emotions.”

Truly showcasing what he can do, Zach Zoya definitely lives up to his word on showing the world what he can offer. “Spectrum” is a rollercoaster of emotions – where you find yourself raging out to songs like ‘Le Cap’ and ‘In Da Way’ before hanging loose to songs like ‘Pillz’ and ‘Stick By You.’

As his first official solo debut project through Canada’s leading music company, UMUSIC – I’m literally pumped to see what this rising star will be giving us in the years to come as he’s cemented himself in Canada’s ever growing hip-hop landscape as an artist to watch out for with this latest release. ‘Spectrum’ earns itself a 4.5/5.

Stream ‘Spectrum’ by Zach Zoya:

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