Zalinski - 'Actions, Reactions & Misunderstandings'

Band: Zalinski
CD:   EP 'Actions, Reactions & Misunderstandings'
Date: 15/05/2010

Having interviewed Zalinski and so far loving listening to the tracks they’ve uploaded to wohomusic it was a pleasure to review their debut EP ‘Actions, Reactions & Misunderstandings’.

If you’re into Rock music and have a tendency towards favouring something a little more on the Funky side, Zalinski are a band that you will fall off of your chair listening to, as trust me this is music better enjoyed whilst moving around . . . I first listened to it on my ipod when walking my dog and if the sheep in the fields around us could talk I’d have been in the local press for sure, because between me and you friendly wohomusic members I was full on dancing along the lanes in my village! Does anyone else ever do that thing where you’re so soaked up by the music you’re listening to on your headphones that you pretend you’re in the band’s music video? Hmmm, ok just me then! No shame!!

‘Apology to the Feminine’ is a fantastic starting track with the twenty second guitar and bass intro dragging you into a spirited consciousness to be able to fully appreciate the five songs they’ve got to offer on this pleasantly presented EP and you have to believe me when I tell you that it only becomes more and more refined the more you listen to it.

One of the finest attributes to this EP is the fact that every track has an individual feel, yet you still know each one is a Zalinski song – one minute Funk, next Reggae, then Rock and Roll at its very best! I won’t describe every track as feel it’s important you get hold of a copy and listen without too many preconceptions, but just want to give you a little taster.

The best example of this mixture of styles is the fourth track ‘God’ begins slowly and in parts is strangely reminiscent of a hymn with lyrics like ‘come all ye’. Yet a quarter of the way in and everything speeds up significantly with Bows astounding voice bellowing over the top of the thunderous instruments and then slowing again near the end of the track and finishing off with a thirty second expressive instrumental bringing it to a close that naturally demands a rapture of applause and I’m sure at a gig would get a serious one.

Zalinski lead singer ‘Bows’ vocals are outstanding and well matched by the musical talents of Karl, Sam and Mark who all produce sounds equally as prodigious. Put them together and you have ‘Zalinski’, a UK band to watch out for, as in my humble opinion they’ve got some seriously special ingredients to go a long way in the world of music.

I’ve listened to ‘Actions, Reactions & Misunderstandings’ over and over again since Mark sent it to me and I cannot chose a favourite out of the five tracks, as they are simply equally impressive. I can boldly say that this is the best EP I’ve listened to so far this year and am pleased that the guys have offered one of the EP tracks as a free download exclusively to our members that read this review. It’s a great way to sample a hint of what they produce before buying the EP itself so follow the link at the bottom of this page to get hold of ‘Revelation’.

The Words - 'FAG'

Band:  The Words
CD:     Single - 'FAG'
Date:    Feb 2010

I first heard of ‘The Words’ when they joined wohomusic and as soon as I listened to ‘My Silver Line’ I was hooked and have been a fan of theirs ever since. Following my interview with them I took a listen to their official Single - ‘FAG’ with the supporting track ‘I Just Wanna Dance’ and I can categorically say that my opinion hasn’t wavered.

If you’re into your British Indie bands and love hearing a thick Northern accent in the lyrics of a song then you will love this single – it’s definitely got guts, from the meaty guitar intro and sporadic solos throughout, then the catchy chorus and thundering percussion, right up until the heart wrenching point 3.2 minutes later where the track comes to an end and you’re left gagging for more. To soften the blow though you’re kindly led to the next track ‘I Just Wanna Dance’ which will completely get your backside out of the chair if you’re not already in mid air and by then the adrenalin has totally kicked in, so guess what? You stick it on repeat of course! Give it an hour and you’ll know the lyrics off by heart . . .

These boys produce music to an incredible quality and without fail each time I listen to one of their tracks I just wanna dance!! It’s true, it does exactly what it says on the tin so if you haven’t already come across this great Indie band make sure you check them out and for a quick fix buy ‘FAG’ as soon as you get a spare second – you won’t regret it, believe me!

The Ryots - CD Review

Band: The Ryots
CD:   demo CD review
Date:  Feb 2010

The Ryots were the winner of our January Track of The Month competition with ‘Rita’ and being the first song on their CD it was a familiar and pleasing start for me, having listened to the track repeatedly throughout January. They were certainly deserved winners with ‘Rita’ as it’s a cracking tune and with their Northern Soul and clear Ska style in this and the other three tra cks I felt like I’d taken a trip with Marty Mcfly back to the 60’s, which in my opinion was a worthy experience as I’m an enormous fan of the music produced back then. This takes nothing away from the fact that they are creating modern music at all, it’s just they create a similar feel to the music produced by the likes of The Kinks and The Clash. Being a fan of both of these bands evidently I’m going to be into what I hear from The Ryots, big time! To offer a modern example of who the band are comparable to I’d definitely agree with what the guys themselves say, in that they are influenced by The Libertines and The Strokes, as these sounds are pretty evident in their style.

The best attribute to this CD is that each song is as compelling as the last and I can honestly say that having listened to them all over and over again for the last few days I cannot choose a favourite. There is serious passion in the music these boys create and it comes across on all of the recordings so I’d imagine to see them at a gig would be a lively experience, especially taking into account that ‘Rita’, ‘Tied Up With Wrongs’ and ‘Cherry Glasgow’ are all particularly upbeat in terms of the fast paced rhythm that they each carry. This leaves the fourth and final track ‘There’s Only Now’ which starts off a little slower than the rest and teased me into thinking I was going to hear The Ryots producing a ballad. Don’t fear though as although it’s chilled in parts this is short lived and mixed in with their usual upbeat and fast paced instrumental fashion it’s a way off being a soppy number and it’s absolutely an impressive and unique tune to have thrown into the mix, bringing the CD to a fulfilling close.

The Ryots are currently recording more music and I have to say I’m chomping at the bit to hear what they’ve got up their sleeve next!