A standout facet of Zach Bryan’s latest EP, Young Manhood & Other Donatable Organs, is his use of Dusty Rhodes’s iconic “hard times” promo within the track “Robot Killed The Working Man.” It’s a bold, exhilarating move that signals the record’s audacious character.
Beyond that striking sample, the project makes its mark with a provocative title and a cover that seems to depict Bryan aiming at a doppelgänger. Then there’s Lies, the long-promised duet with Lana Del Rey. Del Rey had teased a Bryan collaboration last month, and the two co-wrote the song. Its chorus nods to Fleetwood Mac’s “Little Lies,” while the piano introduction evokes Rihanna’s “Stay.” The piece unfolds as a sweeping, melancholic ballad about two people trying to convince themselves they’re happy together even though they know it’s not true. Bryan delivers a notably strong vocal performance here, and his voice paired with Del Rey’s sounds unusually compelling; the collaboration lands more naturally than many anticipated.
At first listen, the remainder of Young Manhood & Other Donatable Organs confirms Bryan’s reputation as an exceptionally prolific writer and performer, maintaining the high standard he’s set for himself. He shares production duties with Eddie Spear, a frequent collaborator, and Jamie McLaughlin, who has previously worked with acts like Rod Wave and Brent Faiyaz. Turnpike Troubadours, the Oklahoma country-rock outfit Bryan has long admired, appear on “Plainsman,” a track he co-wrote with frontman Evan Felker. The opening cut “Lodi When” features a chorus of backing vocalists, including Grumpy’s Heaven Schmitt and indie singer-songwriter Katy Kirby.
Bryan has been talking up the new EP since July, but the official release was only announced earlier this week. His catalog continues to expand at a dizzying pace: earlier this year he issued the sprawling album With Heaven On Top, followed by an acoustic version of the same collection and a handful of standalone singles. A few weeks ago, he wore a “Free Palestine” shirt during a show at Robert Kraft’s stadium, a pointed rebuke amid the ongoing Ed Sheeran/Macklemore saga. Hear Young Manhood & Other Donatable Organs below.
The Young Manhood & Other Donatable Organs EP is out now on Belting Bronco/Warner.
