Italian band ZAUM was formed sometime in the late 1970’s, but never got around to record anything until 20 years later. By that time a creative vehicle of sole founding member Claudio D’Errico. These recordings didn’t see an actual release until another 10 or so years had gone by, but following the archival release of their debut album “Materialismus” in 2012 the band revitalized into a new line-up. In 2013 this new version of Zaum issued their second album “Plus de Viande Dans les Saucisses”. As with their debut album through fledgling Italian label Psych Up Melodies.
As peculiar as the history of this band is, their music is even more so. At least this latest incarnation of Zaum is one that will leave many people scratching their heads and on a number of different levels too. Not because of lack of talent, the material here is well made and thought out for the most part, but due to certain stylistic clashes that won’t ever give this album an appeal beyond a limited crowd of people.
Still, Il Suono Vero does open this disc in an enticing manner, a spirited pop oriented affair with a 1970’s sheen to it with a mood and atmosphere that reminds you of summer and happy occasions. A piece that does conclude with a minute long acoustic psychedelic sequence mind you, adding a peculiar little bit also to this inviting opening track. But from this point and onwards Zaum takes their listeners on for a ride into rather peculiar territories.
A key element throughout are the vocals of Fabiana Fazio. Sharp, melodic and intense they add a distinct dramatic flair to the proceedings, and in a manner that gives me associations to jazz first and foremost. At her most intense mode of delivery, which we’re treated to a couple of times, her voice moves closer to the likes of Janis Joplin admittedly, but her vocal approach, choice of tonal ranges and mode of delivery tends to give me a distinct jazz association. Frequently emphasized by details by bass and drums both, occasionally by the guitar and nifty wandering piano motifs as well.
The guitar, and a presumably acoustic one which is extensively used, adds a folk music sheen to the proceedings. Occasionally strengthened by percussion, flute and accordion. A second guitar motif supplements now and then, serving both jazz-tinged and psychedelic oriented details. The latter aspect also catered for by keyboard textures on occasion.
This adds up to compositions that blend folk-oriented music, jazz and psychedelic rock to various degrees, always with the distinct vocals on top of this mostly odd sounding instrumental amalgam. Frequently charming constructions I might add, but also puzzling, and just about always with an odd quality to them. Music that arguably may be described as innovative, most certainly a bit off kilter, and while this mix of styles most likely have been taken on by others previously I don’t think anyone has done it in this particular manner.
If you have an interest in music that explores territories well away from paths explored by others, appreciates music made as art that strives to do something in a different manner and you suspect that a blend of jazz, psychedelic rock and folk music will appeal to you, Zaum’s second album “Plus de Viande Dans les Saucisses” is one that merits a listen. Whether you’ll be among the presumably select audience that appreciates what they do I can’t tell, but I suspect I can promise with a fair bit of safety that this is a band that explore a style and sound combination you haven’t encountered before.
My rating: 68/100
