Los Angeles – Up and coming singer-songwriter, Zella Day, who’s been hailed “the happier Lana Del Rey,” opened for veteran musician LP Friday night at The Roxy. Despite the misconstrued description, there’s still an essential sadness embedded in Day’s songs. The eclectic crowd was spellbound by the songstress’ bohemian vibe. Day was dazzling at her Roxy debut showcasing her sounds that have hints of Americana, electronics, and pop. Her vocals range from Del Rey and Ellie Goulding to the timeless Stevie Nicks.
A vocal concoction of earthiness and seductiveness, Day’s overall aura was enthralling. As a 19-year-old singer, she’s sort of an anomaly in today’s scene. She isn’t some cookie-cutter pop star. Zella Day exudes maturity, soulfulness, and a deepness rarely uncovered in someone her age. Now that she calls LA her home, Day is in the right place for potential stardom. She may not have the damaged persona of Lana Del Rey, but her raw talent alongside her undeniably incandescent presence should carry her from indie obscurity to “pop star” eminence.
Day performed a wide range of songs, which included the sexier, dreamy cover of “Time Of The Season” by The Zombies. I thought her interpretation was absolutely stunning. Backed by a talented group of musicians, the new, enlivened take on an old classic was a surprise highlight. She ended the night with a rendition of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. Initially, this was the cover that garnered much attention for her on YouTube. The stripped-down version had a country/folk-ish ambiance to it. Day’s sweet, low reaching vocals were on display. But she’s capable of so much more. The girl has some serious singing chops that are trance-like. She can go from super high to low in a drop of a hat. One of the songs I surely connected with was “Compass,” probably the closest resemblance to a Del Rey song. There’s such a beautiful energy to it. The chorus is hypnotic with wistfulness and her painstakingly attractive vocals put the crowd under her spell.
“East of Eden” is a vast, spacious, and sweeping pop jam. It inhabits all the vital elements for radio dominancy. “Sweet Ophelia” starts off with infectious drumbeats. Just like “East of Eden,” it proves to be another solid pop track for the young musician’s inventory. A favorite song of the night was the meditative “1965.”
The slower and more pensive echoes are Day’s finest tunes in her assortment of wide-ranging material. She’s indubitably passionate and formidable in both her delivery and physical demeanor. I found myself remarkably overwhelmed by Day’s impressive craftsmanship as a songwriter and performer. Throughout the course of her set, there wasn’t a dull or lackluster moment. For someone so young and likely deemed green at this stage of her career, Day carried herself as a seasoned pro. Zella Day may be climbing a steep mountain, but this gifted small town Arizona girl appears entirely equipped for the unknown wilderness that awaits her.
In the end, Day performed ten tracks, including all of her released singles. A planned debut LP is in the works for early 2015. On October 21, she will be releasing her first eponymous EP featuring three of her singles as well as a brand new song, “Hypnotic.” Follow her on Facebook for more news about upcoming shows and future releases.
Live Photos: Nathan Gallaher
Sean Kayden
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