What happens when you are so focused on chasing a dream that it takes you a long time to realize that it wasn’t the thing that you wanted after all? That is the sentiment at the heart of Zoe Konez’s latest album, Everything’s Fine, and perhaps a feeling that many of us will recognize.
And if the opener “Paragon” is a seductive sonic scene-setter, it is “I Don’t Want to Be Lonely Anymore” that cuts to the heart of the emotions running through the record. Its life is short, let’s connect, maybe we can be lonely together lyrical honesty is both heartfelt and heartbreaking in its simple pleas and vulnerable soul-bearing declarations.
“Nudge,” a recent single, sits spaceously and equidistant between folk finesse and delicate alternative pop, and so perhaps is the gentle center of the sound that Zoe works with here. Its drifting vocal harmonies are more poignant and powerful than any kitchen-sink throwing overproduction that might have filled this space in the wrong hands; there is poise here rather than polish, poise that exposes every broken heartbeat.
And “Human” is an anthem for everyone, optimistic and forgiving, especially for those who are too hard on themselves, a gentle love letter to yourself, and a gorgeous song, too.
I remember Zoe from earlier, slightly noisier times, but her songs always had a compelling and captivating heart. Everything’s Fine is those same feelings, thoughts, sentiments, and scenarios stripped down to the very essence of what has always been at the heart of her songs.
A beautiful and beautifully poignant album.
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