Mark Dzula - Begin Again (CD)

Release Date: 04/01/14

Personal lyrics over somewhat adventurous pop songs / RIYL: Super XX Man, Kissing Book

This is the first solo album from Mark Dzula, a man who is making a new start for himself down in San Diego. Mark originally came from New York City, where he was a collaborator with Gary Olson and the Ladybug Transistor. He reminds me quite a bit of Super XX Man, writing very personal lyrics over somewhat adventurous songs. This album contains a few 'normal' indiepop songs ranging from the upbeat opener 'The Graduate' to the haunting 'Falling Snow' to the Kissing Book-ish 'Camera Lucida'; but you'll also find a bit of mariachi in 'The Rebel' or island rhythms in 'Begin Again', and then there's 'Happiness', which sounds like it comes from a musical. This is the type of record that really grows on you after repeated listening, and the payoff is quite rewarding!