Friday, August 3, 2007

The Zou’s “The Pinebox EP” shows band’s darkside

By Katie Libecco

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The Zou is exorcising its demons with the release of their “The Pinebox EP.”

It’s nowhere more apparent than in the album’s namesake, “The Pinebox.”

The song is unusually dark for the Zou, like a creepy love song with keyboard parts reminiscent of “Halloween” and even more haunting guitars over a driving beat.

It’s a break from the sixties’ rock-influenced Zou, for a sound more like NIN, Muse or Orgy.

“I will feel the same until they lower the pinebox,” lead singer Khaled Tabbara says repeatedly.

“LMNOP” starts just as dreary, before breaking into a boldly peppy beat.

Tabbara begins singing the chorus sweetly, “Will I ever see you again, girl? Do you think of me now and then, girl?” Then finishes in a painful scream, “I hope you don’t believe that we’re just friends, ‘cause we’re not.”

Darkest of all is the fourth track, “Nothing Beats a Hanging,” which plays like a modern dirge. It’s not an angsty song, its viscously dark lyrics hang heavy over violent instrumentation by Rob Thorndike on bass, Adam Mamula on drums and Chris Splain on bass.

The vocal parts collide angrily at the end over chaotic strings.

It’s followed by a bleak waltz, “All the Words In The World,” the last track on “The Pinebox EP.” I’m not going to lie, the first time I heard it, I cried.

“She left for the last time again last I heard. I dreamed I wasn’t angry, I dreamed I slept OK. If last night was the last night, then why the hell are you here today?” Tabbara introduces the song over gentle strings.

As it slowly progresses, Tabbara makes you feel the pain of past relationships in a way few songwriters are able to.

Despite perfect pitch, Tabbara sings as if sobbing as a glockenspiel dances lightly in the background.

“But all the words in all the world can’t tell what I saw. I think of you, and drink to you and give it all I’ve got,” Tabbara sings. “But all the words in all the world, can’t tell what you do. If you could be right here with me, the way that I’m here with you.”

The song is so delicately painful to hear with brutally raw emotions, it’s as if you walked into the room where Tabbara lay, bottle and guitar in reach.

The song on the album that stands out is “Thank You, Muse,” featuring Splain on vocals. It’s one of the most fun songs in The Zou repertoire, with a carnival-like sound and honky-tonk keys. The Zou’s true musical ability shows on this playful song, with complex harmonies and myriad riffs and fills.

The song is perfect for summer listening and in general, just good fun.

Get to know another side of The Zou and pick up a copy of “The Pinebox EP.”