Buy Liam Kazar's Due North at Side A Vinyl
There are albums that keep you company. That soundtrack walks home at golden hour. That give the morning coffee a bit of warmth. For me lately, that album has been Due North by Liam Kazar.
Released in 2021, Due North is Liam Kazar’s solo debut. It delivers a kind of joyful complexity that you don’t stumble across often. Sonically, it’s a genre-blending collection — indie rock, funk, soul, synth-pop — but it never feels scattered. Every track feels placed with intention, and the production is crisp without losing its human touch.
The opener, "So Long Tomorrow," sets the tone. There’s optimism, but not naivety. It's the kind of song you want playing while stepping into something new. Then you get tracks like "Shoes Too Tight," where the groove is infectious and the lyrics perfectly toe the line between clever and candid. One of my personal favorites, "On a Spanish Dune," floats in with a dreamlike stillness that makes you stop and just listen.
What stands out the most on Due North is the balance: it’s emotional without being heavy, intricate without being busy. Kazar writes with this ease that invites you into his world without oversharing. It’s not surprising when you find out he’s been part of projects like Kids These Days and Marrow, and played alongside Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. That experience shows up in how mature and effortless this debut feels.
Lyrically, the album is introspective, yet leaves space for the listener. Themes of distance, identity, change — they’re all present, but dressed in melodies that lift rather than drag. It’s a rare feat.
If you’re someone who likes Kevin Morby, Big Thief, or even a more upbeat Mac DeMarco, there’s a good chance Due North will land well with you.
Want a Copy?
Several copies of Due North are currently in stock at Side A Vinyl — a favorite local shop that gets it right every time. If you’re someone who appreciates the tangible joy of vinyl, this one is worth adding to the rotation. The artwork, the tracklist flow, the analog warmth — it all shines on wax.
Due North isn’t trying to be anything other than itself. And that’s exactly what makes it so replayable. It’s generous music. It gives back more each time you sit with it.