Zoetic is a jazz pop fusion project from Kiersten St. John and Emma Voron. St. John is a multi-instrumentalist and covers the musical side of the project while Voron is a great vocalist handling the leads. Zoetic has the vibe of a classic CCM group but approaches things with a fresh outlook. The duo aims to inject diversity into a genre that often shows little variety. "Little Boxes" is a great example of this. There is a poppy CCM structure that you're familiar with, but the jazzy undertones and flares really make the track interesting. St. John's piano work here is the standout musically, while Voron's vocals are some of the best on the album.

Catchiness is the keyword for Zoetic's new album, Made in the Image. Every song is filled with great pop sensibilities that make you bob your head, but it's the deeper dive that makes the album all the more satisfying. As mentioned with "Little Boxes," the traditional and jazz influences add so much to the tracks. Everything is encompassed with this assessment. Musical phrasing, chordal choices, and vocal melodies are all at play here. A cursory listen could just reveal a simple pop album -- and it's fairly successful at being that alone. However, the full dissection reveals intricacies that make it stand apart from anything you'll actively hear on Christian radio. The album is also quite meaty from a lyrical perspective as well. There are no vapid pop lyrics here, and it's not full of your typical CCM/worship lyrics either. It's real life on display. There are songs of struggle and surrender like "Carry My Cross," songs about emptiness and lack of purpose without Chris like "The Lost," songs of trying to find where you fit in like "Little Boxes," and songs of drifting away from God because you're trying to remain in the world like "Halfway There."

I've mentioned it a few times already, but "Little Boxes" is really the peak of the album. Identity and culture are a thing that we all deal with in different ways -- even inside the church. The lyrics here discuss everything from height and appearance, personality traits and test results, to lifestyles, pronouns, and even the astrological. None of these issues are trying to make a specific point about said issue, but instead push at something deeper. Voron sings, "God, show me an answer. Oh is it all vanity? The more that I find little boxes for me, the less of myself there will be." Instead of focusing on things that our culture is obsessed with, Zoetic realizes the more you identify with, the less you have of yourself. It's quite a poignant message. Another standout track is "Forfeited Youth." This one grabs your attention immediately. The odd timing for the main piano line eventually going into a more natural feel is a nice touch. It's things like this that make a "simple" pop song into something else entirely.

Made in the Image is a captivating listen. Fun and innovative pop songs, excellent vocals (including wonderful harmonies), and deeper lyrics all add up to what Zoetic has to offer. It's complex, but you don't have to understand the complexities to enjoy the music. All of the tricks the duo pull off only add to the enjoyment. You may not fully understand from a musical theory perspective of what you enjoy about these songs, but their catchiness and ability to hang around in your head afterward are undeniable. Fans of pop, jazz, standard CCM, and worship music are likely the target demographic with quite a bit of crossover being possible. Do yourself a favor and give Zoetic a listen today!

- Review date: 8/30/24, written by Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com

Record Label: None
Album length: 8 tracks: 30 minutes 9 seconds
Street Date: August 30, 2024
Buy It: Bandcamp

1. The Lost (3:40)
2. Accolades (4:26)
3. Little Boxes (3:30)
4. Waiting to Start (3:19)
5. Forfeited Youth (3:02)
6. Halfway There (3:18)
7. Carry My Cross (4:44)
8. Lord of My Life (4:07)