29/07/2009
“Taxis” – Zoos of Berlin
Zoos of Berlin are better than you.
I don’t mean that subjectively, philosophically or vaguely.
I mean it empirically, aesthetically and technically.
Even if you’re one of those people out there trying to make music and record albums, I don’t think you should take this an insult – as again, it’s not a judgment, but more a statement of fact.
You see, these guys aren’t fucking around.
A lot of great music comes from fucking around, either generally or with specific forms and styles. In fact, much of the music the rest of the world associates with Detroit is very much in this vein — deconstructive, raw and primal. Obviously, this excludes Motown, but John Lee Hooker, Mitch Rider, the MC5, the White Stripes and the Dirtbombs all certainly fit.
For Zoos that kind of elemental passion would crush the subtlety on which they thrive. It’d be like the Benny Goodman Orchestra playing “Kind of Blue”. It isn’t strong enough to say their songs are tightly constructed; it feels like every note on “Taxis” gets it moment, however to brief to say it’s piece and make a graceful exit.
The Bowie thread in their work is so seamlessly interwoven into everything they do it could almost go without mentioning. Elements of his plastic soul and Berlin albums are clear, but there’s no mistaking “Taxis” as a one-dimensional tribute or even particularly nostalgic. It’s clearly a contemporary album in its conception and execution.
The softly delivered vocals switch seamlessly between doubling and harmony with an offhanded precision that belies its complexity. Guitars alternate between crisp and soaring, the bass is fluid and highly melodic, busy synths and horns enter and exit in support of the songs, rather than as distractions or superfluous ear candy afterthoughts. Rhythmically, individual songs pulse anxiety-inducing syncopation, spacious cut-time freak-outs and grooves so lean you might offer them a cheeseburger. In some cases (the somewhat sprawling 6:11 of ‘Juan Matus’) all three occur in the same song.
The album works so well as a cohesive package, rather than a collection of songs, so it is hard for me to pick out standout tracks. But I think it goes without saying that if you don’t like ‘Electrical Way’ I’ll probably look on you with suspicion for the rest of your natural life.
In short, you should be listening to ‘Taxis’ right now – it is not only one the best albums to come out of Detroit this year, it is one of this year’s best albums.
Don’t miss Zoos of Berlin along with a host of other excellent bands at the Crofoot on Friday July 31.
“Taxis” is available on most downloading services and on Compact Disc direct from the band and presumably from retailers who like to sell stuff.
Text posted at 15:43
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