Moonshine
It’s been 10 years since Zen Arcade kicked off the
millennium with their chart-topping debut single Crazy Over You. Their first album Snowflake went on to become a SAMA finalist for Best Rock Album,
while the band stomped up a storm across the country, becoming a favourite with
festival organizers, pounced on by indie radio DJs from Cape Town to
Amsterdam. Now, with their third
studio album Moonshine, Zen Arcade pours
out a potent concoction. From the raw juggernaut power of the title track to
the impossibly catchy pop craft of Little
By Little, the 4-piece from Jozi leave none of their musical interests
unturned. Under the generous hands of co-producer David Birch, deceptively
simple songs develop into multilayered dramas, or take an unexpected twist into
foot-tapping choruses. It’s heady stuff. Slow brewed, Moonshine packs a punch that’s set to intoxicate new fans and ZA-faithful
alike.
Zen Arcade – Moonshine - Back with a bang
13 September 2011 | BRUCE DENNILL (THE CITIZEN)
7/10 Zen Arcade – Moonshine (INDEPENDENT) -
Absence may make the heart grow fonder – this is Zen Arcade’s first new release in eight years – but great songs certainly help to make a fresh impact, and this collection’s title track, which kicks things off, is a corker.
It’s in-your-face blues rock, fronted by Iain McKenzie’s rousing howl – if the Rolling Stones released this, they might finally have another hit. McKenzie’s also capable of more controlled vocal dynamics, be it for relatively poppy options (Little By Little) or more atmospheric, dramatic numbers (Cold, which recalls Simple Minds).
Whatever the case, his vocals, along with a set of chord progressions that come up regularly, make each new song here instantly recognisable as Zen Arcade track – a handy characteristic when trying to have your music stand out on a playlist.
The album is littered with potential singles – Moonshine, Little By Little, Oink, Real Thing and the superb Wrecking Ball among them – and should enjoy considerable longevity regardless of how it gets publicised.
Strong songs, well performed – if you hadn’t realised you missed this band, you will now. – BD