Fresh off the release of his self-titled and entirely self-produced fourth album, rising country star Zach Bryan released his fourth EP, Boys of Faith. The five-track EP extends to americana-folk territory, stemming from Bryan’s traditional country roots.
Bryan originally gained a following after the production of his first album, DeAnn, in 2019. His appeal undoubtedly came from his minimally constructed sound and thoughtful lyrics, in contrast to the pop influences and cliches that were, and still are, prevalent in mainstream country music.
This close-knit fan base only grew when he dropped Elisabeth in 2020, then American Heartbreak in 2022. American Heartbreak featured the single Something In The Orange, which peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Bryan achieved his first #1 hit with I Remember Everything, featuring Kacey Musgraves, off of his self-titled album.
This hit was made possible largely by his rise to fame on social media platforms like Instagram and Tiktok. In fact, parts of two out of five Boys of Faith songs were previously posted on social media, along with more recent teasers of another two, meaning their releases have been a long time coming.
It’s safe to say the long-awaited tracks, and new ones alike, did not disappoint.
Track 1: Nine Ball
The album begins with a low, steady guitar, and intertwined harmonica that makes several guest appearances within the album. Bryan launches into a story of a boy whose pool-playing talents help his father fuel a gambling addiction. He reflects on the pressure of the narrator’s father’s pride and dreams, that limit the dreams of the narrator himself. His vocals shine on this track, with its earnest lyrics that depict a young character, who has grown up too fast.
Track 2: Sarah’s Place (featuring Noah Kahan)
Bryan teams up with indie folk sensation Noah Kahan for a rare upbeat track, speaking to an ex-lover who has made it big in the big city. They sing with pride of her accomplishments, but with a bittersweet sense of nostalgia for the lazy small town nights they shared. Although ‘the one that got away’ is a classic country trope, Bryan and Kahan give it new life with swapping verses and an indie folk twist.
Track 3: Boys of Faith (featuring Bon Iver)
The sound of a dog barking calls in a duet between Zach Bryan’s gravelly tone and the haunting echo of Justin Vernon, lead singer of Bon Iver. Bryan has often cited Bon Iver as a musical influence, and this collaboration is only proof of his meteoric rise to sing alongside his inspirations. The track itself calls on the reunion of some old friends, who mourn for all they’ve lost, but toast to the loyalty of the companions who have endured the years with them. The combination of loss and nostalgia-tinted hope is a common theme for Bryan, but well-executed nonetheless.
Track 4: Deep Satin
Likely the most anticipated song on the EP, the song has been an unreleased favorite among fans since its teaser was posted just over a year ago, and it’s plain to see why. It’s quintessential Zach Bryan at his best, as it takes the blame for the end of a romance, but takes shots at society along the way. Raspy vocals and heartfelt lyrics are the centerpiece of the track, enhanced by a simple electric guitar instrumental, and uncomplicated format.
Track 5: Pain, Sweet, Pain
A misleadingly mellow beginning eases listeners into a rallying cry of a final track, moved along by driving guitar and fiddle. The lyrics of the song reflect on Bryan’s journey into the music industry, and simply in life. It’s a celebration of the midst of the struggle, and a promise of light at the end of the tunnel, although much less cliched than any description can make it seem. An early version of this song debuted on Twitter back in 2020, while Bryan was still serving in the Navy, and the influence of his years of service is clear through this song in particular.
