NYC-based singer-songwriter Chapell, whose topical songs have been praised by the Huffington Post, now releases a new real-life inspired single, pervaded by a pronouncedly dark sense of parody of Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony to Congress. Just to erase any trace of doubt about the theme whatsoever, the single goes by the name “I Am Zuck.”
The pathos in Chapell’s voice is reminiscent of REM’s Michael Stipe. Set to an eerie accompaniment that features an unusual combination of minor piano melodies and vibrant mariachi horn blasts, his vocals instill a strong sense of detachment, reinforced even further by the gloomy lyrics.
Despite its very particular intent to parody, which doesn’t generally make for the most enjoyable songs from a purely musical standpoint, “I Am Zuck” is still quite catchy. There’s a section with a particular mariachi-style rhythm and flavor that’s very dancy and breaks up the song nicely, spicing up the otherwise dark vibe.
Overall, “I Am Zuck” definitely isn’t a song for every day, but neither are a lot of artsier, more experimental fare. While it may not be to many people’s taste, it’s a culturally relevant song with a lot of thought behind it, and surely worthy of a listen.
