Zed: Desperation Blues

Big riffs are definitely back in fashion, so three years on from their The Invitation album Zed are back with a dose of Desperation Blues, that sounds a damn sight more insistent than desperate to me. Stating Queens Of The Stone Age, AC/DC, Sabbath and Zeppelin as influences Zed (not to be confused with the jazz fusion outfit) stay true to their word by hammering out groove laden bristling riffs, backed by howling, gravely vocals and ground shaking beats. It is a tried and tested practice and one that the likes of Clutch really have taken to a new level in recent times. However there's always room for new - quality - bands on the scene and while it would be a stretch to suggest that the likes of "Skin And Bone", or "Desperation Blues" quite reach that standard, there's no doubting that the rolling beat and bouncing bass of the former and the Slash like spiralling guitars of the latter, kick up a pretty convincing and sweaty storm.

Pete Sattari hollers loud and proud while banging his guitar to within an inch of its life, leaving a faint stench of bourbon and grimy hit of attitude, while his fellow guitar abuser Greg Lopes doubles the effect. Add to that a concoction of thunder courtesy of Rich Harris behind what probably used to be a drum kit and Mark Acevas who'd probably be arrested for the way he attacks his bass and Zed make a mighty statement. "Please" groovin' suggestively, while giving you the sort of grin that makes you uneasy in your own shoes, while "Crawl To You" adds a little subtlety in a style that Black Stone Cherry fans will approve of. Coming at the midway point in the album it also provides a neat break from what could have otherwise become an all too familiar recipe. Sattari actually holds down this cleaner singing style surprisingly well considering how aggressive he can be elsewhere on Desperation Blues. Although it does have to be said that there is the odd occasion where his lived in throat rasping can sound a little fatigued.

There does seem to be an ever growing group of bands willing and able to smack you round the chops with this type chunky steamrollering rock. However Zed, while not quite the finished article certainly offer up enough to grab your attention and hold it from first song to last - a rarity itself these days. This is one collection of Desperation Blues sure to put a smile on your face.

Track Listing
1. Please
2. Skin And Bone
3. Killing Machine
4. Desperation Blues
5. Crawl Back To You
6. More
7. Rain
8. The Empty Quarter
9. Settle The Score
10. The River

Added: May 26th 2013
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Zed Lonine
Hits: 3050
Language: english

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