SURFACE TO AIR

I seem to be partial to Electronic bands that use at least some traditional "rock" instruments, and if they also use mellotron then i'm even more impressed. ZOMBI are the American duo of Steve Moore(bass & synths) and A.E. Paterra(drums & synths). These two guys have to be big fans of RUSH by the way they sound on the drums and bass respectively. Heck even the background synths bring to mind the "Moving Pictures" album. ZOMBI use a variety of analog synths and the various sounds they produce are impressive to say the least. I should also mention that there is some variety on this record from a couple of heavy Space Rock tunes to a TANGERINE DREAM-like track, to the epic that is very cinematic and at times haunting. Normally variety isn't my thing on an album but every song is incredible.

"Challenger" has a very RUSH-like start and check out the ground-shaking bass when it kicks in. Lots of background synths throughout this one. A great sounding tune that is quite heavy. "Digitalis" has this electronic beat that leads the way as synths then atmosphere join in. Killer sound 2 1/2 minutes in as the mellotron is added. "Legacy" like the opening track features some excellent bass and drum work. This drives the song along as background synths then other synths that pulse help out with the rhythm section. So good! This is quite repetitive as they seem to jam. Fantastic! "Surface To Air" has this dramatic start as we get this urgent sound full of suspense. Again the drumming is very upfront and incredible at the same time. A calm after 3 minutes as the synths roll in. So much atmosphere here then the drums kick in around 5 minutes as it builds. Nice.

"Night Rhythms" is the 18 1/2 minute closer. GOBLIN did come to mind with the cinematic nature of this track and the at times eerie atmosphere. A grand display of majestic synths slowly pulse then mellotron joins in. A change before 2 minutes as synths growl then haunting synths take over. The growly synths return as they pulse. Mellotron 4 minutes in then it turns haunting again a minute later. Mellotron choirs and an uptempo beat join in. Nice. A calm a minute later then the sequencers kick in with cymbals, then spacey synths follow. Growly bass after 9 minutes then the tempo picks up before 10 1/2 minutes. It settles back a minute later with dual synths pulsating wildly. It's cool to hear the drums and synth beat together around 16 minutes in. Spacey synths join in as well.

Probably closer to 4.5 stars and at around 45 minutes in length...just right.