Z
November
2007 |
| THEODORE ZIRAS - Hyperexia Another month, another guitar-sensation-in-the-making’s debut release hits our deck.Greek newcomer Theodore Ziras, while a total unknown to these shores, brings a couple of distinctively less unfamiliar names along with him. Dream Theater legend Derek Sherinian just about steals the rest of the show behind his back - yes, it happens to be an instrumental album, by the way - with ex-Pride And Glory man Brian Tischy being the engine but it is Mr Ziras of course whom we are supposed to be lending our ears to here with his name being on the cover. Not interested drastically in constant high-speed widdling along the lines of so many other six-string luminaries that went before, names Vai and Malmsteen being two, T.Z. slows the pace quite often in a strongly AOR-ish direction and creates a good verse-chorus-verse vibe - ergo, one can actually hum along once knowing what’s coming up. If you enjoyed Andy Timmons and David Gregorisch’s discs from last year, this gentleman is very much worth your time. Hopefully, Theodore has time to do make another one. 8/10
By Dave Attrill |
2005 |
|
Zan Clan – We
are Zan Clan, who the f*ck are you?
(Perris Records – 2005) Original vocalist of Shotgun Messiah ‘Zim Zan’ with his own band. As you’d expect, well those of you in the know of his previous band, this is Cheesy OTT sex related rock n roll a la LA – ha ha ha – get’s our vote. They even show the bad side of hard drugs as opposed to talking about partying it up all the time which is a good thing. 8.5/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
ZEBRA
- 4 It's one of the least commonly used letters in the alphabet, Z only being used to profile, so far in terms of rock n' roll outfits by three gentlemen from Texas and Freddy 'Alias' Curci's new act, Zion, not to mention being the name of Frontiers' chief rival in the melodic rock label stakes. Now, I'm sure Randy Jackson once fronted a band beginning with said consonant, as well... wasn't it named after some zoo animal, or something..er.Zebra. By jove that was it! The former China Rain/Sign guitarist/singer's primal outfit has been laid to rest, on the recording side, for all of 17 years, matching the duration that fellow Frontiers/N&T signee Robert Fleischmann has spent off the job. Except that unlike the former Journey/Vinnie Vincent frontman, Randy kept busy, musically speaking throughout the hiatus. So after nearly two decades without putting pen to manuscript together, have Jackson, plus fellow original sidekicks Guy Gelso (bass) and Felix Hannemann (drums) still got what it takes to cut the mustard in 2003? I wouldn't worry myself too much. Whilst not being the most experienced Zebra listener about, I have heard a few from their heyday duration - enough to assure me that their fans should welcome this return offering from these lost sons. Acoustic-oriented rockers like 'So I Dance' and 'Who Am I', eastern-drenched opening cruncher 'Arabian Nights', the drivin' blues of 'Free', 'Light Of My Love' and 'KK is Hiding' (which is not about the Judas Priest guitarist doing a runner) and the sax-laced ballad 'Waiting to Die' which suddenly kicks into out 'n'out hard rock with about half a minute of its playing time left, are examples of another melodic rock success story surviving through the dark ages without surrendering to the barbarians. The trio have undoubtedly remembered that strong hooks and huge harmonies are the strict rules that still apply today (more than ever) to succeed in the AOR trade. With very few faults, Zebra's first album after a generation's worth of years in which the three still kept busy whilst their own separate ways, shows so, especially in Jackson's case. You see, things do still look better in black n' white..striped. 8/10 By Dave Attrill |
| ROB
ZOMBIE - THE SINISTER URGE
(GEFFEN RECORDS 493 147-2 - 2002) With 'The Sinister Urge' don't expect anything new from Rob Zombie, he has started where he left off, so if you are familiar with 'Hellbilly Deluxe' you have heard 'The Sinister Urge'. I'm not saying that this is not a wonderful CD, it is, and it has its wicked tracks that will give Rob Zombie an even bigger name. 'Never Gonna Stop (the red, red kroovy)', 'Iron head' featuring Ozzy Osbourne, 'Feel so Numb' and 'Dead Girl Superstar' to name but a few will have you're bones shaking in there boots. Throughout the CD there are guest appearances to name the better-known persons Tommy Lee, Ozzy Osbourne, Kerry King and DJ Leathal all of which have added their own little trademark. If you think that 'Dead Girl Superstar' sounds familiar, it's because it's 'Living Dead Girl' with different lyrics. Personally I don't see the point, but 'Living Dead Girl' is still one of those tracks that you don't get bored of. 'The Sinister Urge' is a CD that you may not like to start off with because it isn't anything new, but it is one of those CD's that grow and grow on you until he releases the remix version. 8/10 By Tony Watson |
| Pre - 2002 |
| Dweezil
Zappa - Automatic
Dweezil Zappa, the son of the legendary Frank, has unleashed a scorcher of a new album, the very impressive 'Automatic', (his first in ten years), on Steve Vai's 'Favoured Nations' label. Be prepared to be impressed and totally smitten with this digital jewel. Listening to the track 'Fwakstension', you'd be forgiven if you thought that you were witnessing Steve Vai himself - because it's wacky, fusionistic instrumental rock containing off-the-wall atmospheric effects that you'll find on The Who's 'Who's Next' or on John Entwistle's momentous '905' (from The Who's 'Who are You' album). For full-on cheesy humour value, you won't get nothing better than Dweezil's cover of the famous 'Hawaii Five-O' theme - and the fun doesn't stop there - he's even chucked in a version of 'You're a mean one Mister Grinch' which is like 'Jesus Christ Superstar' on jazzy acid and features Ahmet Zappa on vocals - you gotta love it!!! Elsewhere, the album is in the strange Rock-Jazz fusion mode. 'Therapy', is quite simply puzzling, where you'll find a whole variation of musical tempos throughout, not to mention all the strange noises coming out the speakers as well. Mr. Zappa has even had a strike at the two famous tunes from 'Carmen', these being 'Habanera' and 'Les Toreanders' that's been used in a number of Television advertisements. If you've ever tried to get hold of somebody in an office using the good old telephone and got no luck whatsoever then you're bound to appreciate the realism of 'Dick Cinnamon's Office', complete with irritating phone music, telephonist and a rather frustrated caller - a totally titillating listen is guaranteed. It's immediately followed by 'Purple Guitar' - a blasting instrumental rocker that has all the qualities of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai merged into one - pure class, if I say so myself. 'Automatic' is one of the most rivetingly entertaining albums I have ever heard. Dweezil Zappa has that gift to keep you interested throughout the entire album because he mixes in so many musical styles. This guy is the Einstein of the electric guitar, who like father Frank, does not cease to amaze. 9/10 Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
