Album Review :: Zoo Zero - Zoo Zero

Zoo Zero

Zero Zero

September 30 2013 (Crest Cont.)

8.5/10


Words: Andrew Major

Zoo Zero are set to release their full length self-titled LP this month in a bid to raise their underground credentials. Released on their own label, Crest Cont. the band describe themselves as “fiercely independent”, after turning town various publishing and management deals in an effort to remain a truly DIY outfit. Personally, I don’t blame them. Any unnecessary label backing for a band still somewhat in their infancy could spell a troubled future in the current climate. “I guess we’re interested in music where noise and weirdness clashes with melody,” says Tom. “It’s way too easy to make some avant-garde, instrumental record – it’s harder to combine the unexpected with actual songs.”

Zoo Zero attempt to blend noise with melody to sculpt their unique sound and as of now have done so effectively. Their eight track record kicks off with the seven minute something, 'Fraktion'. A cascading wall of white noise and a pumping rhythm section of fuzzed out bass and whirling guitars sent the eardrums wild and create a sound reminiscent of The Cramps transported into 2013. Zoo Zero don’t seem to lose much sleep over track conventions with not a hint of vocals until the two minute mark followed by a heavy post-punk chorus that really gets the blood pumping; a really quite terrifying opening to the album, but, by God, I like it.

‘Moon Communique’ and ‘Show Me Your Flag’ show off the bands ability to create some unearthly sounds using just a guitar and an arsenal of effects pedals. ‘Moon Communique’ comes complete with a catchy chorus and At The Drive-In style drums offering something a little different in between some complex dual guitar work. ‘Show Me Your Flag’ is as short as it is sweet, culminating at just under three minutes. Zoo Zero have clearly nailed their sound with each track retaining an overall kinesis without any niggling repetition creeping in with the bands claim of clashing weirdness with melody really becoming clear as some seriously bizarre guitar melodies mix perfectly with the relentless rhythm and vocal sections.

It’s delay all the way in ‘Double Cross’ with the guitars of Tom Pinnock and Jonathon Lines building a skyscraper of sound before the track adapts and progresses through various styles all held together with reverb washed vocals and a really, really steady beat and of course some more sounds that you won’t believe it’s possible to create with the humble guitar. ‘Stationed’ has a much more post-hardcore (if that is even still a genre) feel to it in the opening third before digressing back to a more familiar punk tinged sound; eccentric and hugely enveloping while still retaining that all important melody, a little two minute punch to the face. ‘Dnalsi’ is pretty much a fifty-one second soundtrack my best nightmares, there’s nothing more to be said.

The record closers ‘Oryx’ and ‘Spinning Pretty’ are quite simply just as awesome as the rest of the album. ‘Oryx’ would make a forty-six-year-old trolley collector at Asda feel invincible, with such a high level of swagger and swirling feedback, Zoo Zero save the best till last. The London-based four-piece bring things right back down for finale, ‘Spinning Pretty’. Spaced-out and ridiculously well put together in the way of vocal melody and instrumental accompaniment, the track lulls you into a nice safe place of recovery over the battery you just received from ‘Oryx’ - and then betrays you with yet more crunching guitar riffs.

‘Zoo Zero’ offers a real dose of something different and exciting. Yes, they include some convention in the production with the vocals consistently drowned in reverb, but pretty much everything else is raw and original. Yet due to being heavily influenced by bands such as Deerhunter and MGMT, there is a undercurrent of familiarity. Zoo Zero should certainly be given the light of day with this truly invigorating and entertaining debut album.