` Jesusfreakhideout.com: Zoetic, "Made in the Image" Review
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Zoetic, 'Made in the Image'
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Zoetic
Made in the Image

Artist Info: Discography
Street Date: August 30, 2024
Style: Jazz Pop Fusion
Follow Them: Instagram.com/@zoetic_music
Buy It: Bandcamp



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



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. 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)

 

 

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This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



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