EP Review: Pierce Frolic – Zinnia (Self Released)

July 21st, 2021 debuts Frolic’s acoustic rock sound in a 5-track EP, accompanied by both live drums and pop kits that mix the cliché love song sound with the natural heaviness it also deserves. With influences such as Bob Dylan and Avril Lavigne, Frolic experimented with a “heavy-but-not” sound he can call his own. During the songwriting of Zinnia, Frolic thought it was relative to correlate a love story to the 5 phases of death, something every Bob Dylan fan would say – hey that’s something Bob would do.

When asked about the meaning of Zinnia, Pierce Frolic said himself:

The greatest part was turning my thoughts into something beautiful. A few years ago, I was at my absolute worst – drugs, running away, friends dying, mental health problems, breakups. But there were people there who kept me going, even people who I don’t speak to as often nowadays. And that shouldn’t be ignored or forgotten even if we’re on different wavelengths now. My first job was at a flower shop and the best part was rejuvenating the flowers. Each one required different nurturing to bring them back to life, and some came back quicker than others. I was told a Zinnia represents friendship that weathers all storms. I felt the name was appropriate because even though the EP is mainly love and breakup songs, I hold no ill feelings against anyone who’s come and gone through my life. And to me, that’s how a Zinnia has such strong life cycles.

There’s a sadness and a joyfulness to this EP. It’s heart-wrenching and pretty but also uplifting at times. It’s something many people can relate too. The whole ‘love and loss’ aspect but also seeing and understanding that this is part of life. Hopefully those who come and go into your life end up enriching it in some way even if the loss isn’t something you wanted to happen.

Pierce Frolic expresses this in emotive and acoustic ways, kicking off with the pensive Wavelengths. A track that touches the heart but misses the mark personally because of an effect that is used on the vocals that just doesn’t sound good. Thankfully that is far less prominent/obvious on the peppier and smile-inducing Florence. A lovely little track that has summer feel to things.

Love Blooms is another classy effort that has a heavier rock rhythm alongside its powerful lyrical content. Whereas Tom’s Song has such a happy melody that it will put a smile on the face. A pensive one but such is the emotional touch that is prevalent throughout.

The EP ends with an absolute beauty called Growin’ Old. A track that will see a tear fall as you find yourself forced to reflect on what was. It’s not a negative song though. It’s light, airy and very pretty. The melody really touches the soul and it’s got some of the EP’s best lyrics.

There’s a lot to love about this EP. In particular the believable emotion that comes from it. The mix of mellow melodies and energetic bursts really works. The only real criticism are the effects that you find on the vocals here and there. Pierce Frolic has a nice voice so you can’t help but think they’re unnecessary. It’s not going to ruin the EP by any stretch though so it’s well worth checking out.

Pierce Frolic – Zinnia Full Track Listing:

1. Wavelengths
2. Florence
3. Love Blooms
4. Tom’s Song
5. Growin’ Old

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