reviews
'The idea is to bring the audience something new and original,' claims the info-sheet accompanying ZebraFish's promo-EP. There's no denying that Espoo-based band has succeeded in doing that; it's really hard to imagine any direct – or
even indirect – comparison to their music.
ZebraFish mixes British pop, jazz, funk and occasionally even triphop into a very atmospheric and groovy package. Songs are skilfully arranged and, despite the wide spectrum of influences, not the least confusing. The compositions are excellent and even with occasional darker moods remain still warm and provoke positive emotions. Songs could be even catchier but already manage to keep tickling in the back of the listener's mind....
...All in all, exceptionally talented, original and interesting newcomer for whom a record deal – according to my understanding – should be only a matter of time.
Juho Typpö/ www.noise.fi
Going on their third indie release, Finnish ZebraFish are always evolving through each release. Now they've released three new tracks, which are also available on their website. The band seems to have calmed down some from the earlier years, leaving out most of the prog stuff, but they’re still all about making versatile popmusic with an entertaining edge to it. As before, the latest release brings in new hights for the listener.
One of the elements that keeps increasing yearly is the hiphop-kinda mood and vocals. Those who are familiar with the Finnish Don Johnson Big Band, will find similar Tommy Lindgren-type of vocal passages on this release. The funk elements and loose beats still run the show, though ZebraFish is much more gentle and not as dark as Don Johnson.
"Lockdown" is the first song, which opens the cd calmfully, moving lightly as a feather and mixing easy melodies and soothing backing vocals. "Nothing Will Be Lost" continues the eased up, airy mood, where a piano and an acoustic guitar brings in that ethnic sound so characteristic to ZebraFish, like Francis Goya on his Latino-American period. The bands sound is very clear and easily flowing, and "Strange Life", which speeds up the band a little and brings in a trumpet played by Sakari Kulmala, is good and a little different ending for the cd.
Once again FebraFish has composed well-structured songs, which are fine as they are. This bunch should tour with Don Johnson or the likes, they'd easily find fans from there and who knows, might even knock out the main band. A band, which has it's foundation in the entertaining pop and has taken up the tough job of mixing various musical styles very fluently, still goes as strong as always and is not giving up their own sound. Good achievement, and no doubt about it the fans of this genre will love the band.
Satu Reunanen/ www.rockunited.com
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