The genre of folk country typically involves the use of banjos, whereas standard Nashville country music more commonly relies upon the use of guitars. Country artist Zach Bryan straddles the line between the two on Boys of Faith, a five-song EP that showcases Bryan’s banjo playing, while also delivering guitar- and drum-driven country songs his fans have come to love.
Bryan’s new EP came out on September 22, only about a month after Bryan released a different EP named Zach Bryan, and shot to the top of the Billboard album charts.
Bryan’s new offering guides the listener through feelings of nostalgia as Bryan reminisces on his childhood, showcasing the Oklahoma singer-songewriter’s personal growth while also recognizing his faults.
Boys of Faith has two special guests: folk country singer-songwriter Noah Kahan and Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon. The partnerships on Bryan’s EP have made it a popular streaming favorite, while also moving Bryan further from the classic Nashville country music and more in the direction of country folk.
Bryan first got his start in 2019 when he released a YouTube video of him singing one of his most famous songs, “Heading South.” Shortly thereafter, he released his debut EP DeAnn in remembrance of his late mother, earning Bryan a larger audience.
Boys of Faith contains five songs: “Nine Ball, Sarah’s Place (feat. Noah Kahan), Boys of Faith (feat. Bon Iver), Deep Satin, Pain, Sweet, Pain.”
“Nine Ball” discusses the idea of growing up as a boy and eventually becoming a man, while “Sarah’s Place” allows Bryan and Kahan to reminisce on their past relationships while also realizing that they may be better off without them.
“Boys of Faith,” at the center of the EP, ruminates on the struggles of the music industry, as Bryan feels pulled in two directions at once. “You were takin’ photos of me in Kentucky/Sayin’ we were lucky for the light/Who’da thought those things would find a billboard/Way out in New York at night?” Bryan sings, his voice full of nostalgia for his country roots. The follow-up track “Deep Satin” reflects the emotion of being overlooked in the Big Apple.
The EP closes with the more upbeat “Pain, Sweet, Pain,” in which Bryan conveys a message of personal growth, despite the hardships that life has thrown him.
Zach Bryan fans were surprised by the EP drop, as Bryan did not tell fans ahead of time, but if you’re into slow country filled with emotion and nostalgia, Boys of Faith is for you.
