Zoon released a more experimental moccasin-gaze cover of Beck’s “Round The Bend” last May and with the new single “Astum” he is certainly following that vibe. The track sounds like something off of Beck’s Sea Change, with Daniel Monkman’s airy vocals, light piano, and lush acoustic guitar. His lyricism is also transcendental focusing on vague references to nature, tranquility, and freedom. “Astum” is the first track off the upcoming Big Pharma EP.
“‘Astum’ touches on active addiction and the challenges that it brings to an individual,” says Monkman. “While in active addiction, it’s extremely difficult to function in the known society and it leaves you feeling even more lost. I reflect on how it’s really sad and you watch a lot of good people leave because it’s impossible to keep a firm grasp on reality. You’re longing for a great relationship but know it could never happen because you’re constantly trying to numb out past traumas.”
The Big Pharma EP comes out on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day.
“Big Pharma is about me trying to bring awareness about the pharmaceutical industry and their lies. I talk about how they destroyed my community of Selkirk Manitoba and many more small towns and cities. A whole generation completely changed in just a matter of five years, families torn apart and loved ones lost to addiction and overdoses.”