The 2023 Countdown – #6
More Zior Park, more Sasquatch. Suka suka suka … agoouummm … fleep, fleeoweep!
This follow up album completes the journey of the boy who chased Sasquatch and also coincidentally came in at #6 on my list of favorite new albums of 2023.
ZIOR PARK | WHERE DOES SASQUATCH LIVE? Pt 2
Track 1| Don’t Make Him a Villain
2023 Favorite New Songs: #–
Will he reject the power of the world and trust in what he believes in until the very end?
Another narrative intro to continue the story of the search for Sasquatch. The intro sets a good scene for the songs that follow. The dichotomies presented in this spoken verse present some intriguing (in a good way) layers: a scary outward appearance and what’s inside, honesty being seeing as evil, and being able to escape from the answers rather than being freed by them.
Track 2| Queen
2023 Favorite New Songs: #41
In the midst of the pointed fingers I will reign as the ripped and torn Queen
Be yourself, but who is that? Zior Park leaves us guessing while also telling us straight up exactly who he is. The desire to make a lasting impact, to reign as himself despite any negative criticism, makes him a queen.
Still, whether the struggle is with gender or sexual identity or just being the good/smart kid instead of the rebel, the theme is still to find who you are in this confusing world, especially if you feel uncomfortable with the expectations set by your family or community. And since this is an artist’s story, it has the additional lens of a celebrity attached to it.
Don’t reveal your knowledge
Conceal it underneath your skin until you reign
Track 3| Bye Bye Bye (feat. Sion)
2023 Favorite New Songs: somewhere in there … #100 – 51
Everybody is leaving
I can feel nothing
This room is empty
Why are you still here?
A song of loyalty and distrust, of skepticism, all belied by the cheery ‘bye bye bye’ chorus as if the artists don’t care. Clearly they do. Genuine human connection is so rare and so important.
So who do you trust? Who are your real friends? Sometimes it’s so difficult to figure out. Nobody is real enough, certainly not even me. Sion’s verse is just truth.
Keep me awake in this system
Masked up they all so attractive
Friends and enemies all look the same
…
God, how am I supposed to love my neighbours
When they all just a bunch of mannequins trying to cage my soul?
Track 4| Hero in the Mirror
2023 Favorite New Songs: somewhere in there … #100 – 51
You gave me roots, see the branches you gave me, it’s huge
You said that you are failure but look
Here’s your masterpiece, what you want more?
A new take on the man in the mirror, giving the strength you need to face your battles. Zior Park is a hero, and I’m glad he sees this side of himself as well.
The song shows how change can happen, that even if those who came before may feel like they haven’t done enough or made it, they’ve inspired others to continue that fight. It also conveys appreciation for the journey rather than just the destination.
There’s a reminder to celebrate the enduring influence even if things aren’t where we hoped. I love the collaborative aspect of the younger generation continuing on the fight the older generations have started. Also appreciatie the realization that it may take more generations to get the desired outcome, but the change is happening and the journey will continue.
Let’s finish what we’ve been struggling for
Track 5| Bullet
2023 Favorite New Songs: #39
My family doesn’t know me deep down
Sometimes I don’t need them
The scar on my face is not that big
So they underrate it
Now, this song may have been released in 2018 on a Sound Cloud mix tape, but I didn’t know about it before this year and it is included on this 2023 album, so I’m counting it. For all I know, it’s different from the original version as I still haven’t listened to that mix tape.
I find it so haunting and so real. Internal and external struggles. I can’t explain how much this song hits me in the gut and how much I relate to it. I’m so glad I’m past my twenties, that I made it out to the other side.
The metaphor of the bullet without a gun can point to both self harm and external harm. It really speaks to the mental and emotional turmoil Zior Park faces while struggling to be himself. The angel/devil fight also showcases that conflict of knowing who he is but being told it’s wrong.
Like all the songs on these two Sasquatch albums, it follows the themes of self-discovery and self-identity but shows us a darker side of it.
Here’s a fight; angel versus devil
I don’t stand on any side
Bleeding on the floor, I just found a bullet
Why is it here, am I shot?
Track 6| Space Z
2023 Favorite New Songs: #24
Blue atmosphere, my fear has disappeared
Again, self acceptance, self love. It’s beautiful. Especially Zior Park’s sentiment of being a pioneer even as he recognizes others before him. He is the signal, the representation of individuality, that others need. His ambition to continue progressing in the face of challenges is inspiring. Here’s to changing the world.
I’m chasing the light
I don’t care whatever they lied
…
I’m chasing the stars
I don’t care how far they are from me
Track 7| Walking Through the Darkness
2023 Favorite New Songs: #50
You keep on crying
Even though there are voices that you only can hear
You can’t tell me bout it
We’re walking on the fine line
We could fall down to the dark
I’m also so glad when artists tell their truths, share their struggles, and are that person that someone else struggling can look to for inspiration.
This song gives us love and support to face our challenges together and that we can show perseverance in the face of adversity. It’s honest and hopeful.
But we’re progressing if you didn’t notice
There are traces behind us proving it
Track 8| The End
2023 Favorite New Songs: #–
The man realised that what he was looking for all this time has now all become meaningless
The collection of tracks ends appropriately with a narrated outro. It’s a sweet ending, depicting the nuanced journey and realization of what truly matters. There’s appreciation for personal growth and the connections we make as we travel through life.
I know Zior Park’s style of music isn’t for everyone, sometimes pop, sometimes rock, always his own take. His ability to be true to himself both musically and in his outward appearance, is an inspiration to me. I hope it’s also an inspiration to others.
Peace and love and, most of all, acceptance to all of you. 🤍