Zombi - Escape Velocity (2011)

For over a decade now, the Pittsburgh, PA, based duo of, Steve Moore and A.E. Paterra, have been creating music that recalls 70's (and early 80's) horror and sci-fi movie soundtracks, specifically similar to the likes of; Goblin, John Carpenter, Tangerine Dream, Ash Ra Tempel and other odd spacey krautrock and weird progressive artists from that area. Although, that's not to say Zombi is some mere rip-off, no, but the influence is there and they work magic with it.

To be fair though, Escape Velocity, is my first experience with these guys, and for all I know previous works could be a bit different, especially since I've heard that previous recordings make heavy usage of a bass guitar, whereas this recording is entirely synth based with drums.

Escape Velocity kicks off, and instantly my mind wanders back to the opening credits of, Escape from New York, with lively and melodic moog synths, although with that slightly corny vintage feel that we all secretly love. Slow Oscillations has more of a melancholy character intermingled with some epic touches, while, Shrunken Heads starts off rather kooky with something of an underlining disco vibe to it. DE3 is easily my favorite from this album with its catchy driving rhythm it takes the listener soaring to epic heights, while the fifth and last song, Time of Troubles, is rather calm in comparison to the other songs, and oddly enough sounds like it could have easily fit within the ending credits of a movie from the era.

The album is just five songs long, which leaves a little to be desired, but fortunately the nearly forty minutes that are present are quality and have received numerous playbacks from me since purchasing the album a few weeks ago. I also enjoy the album artwork, as to me it looks like something Storm Thorgerson might have come up with for Pink Floyd back in the day.

Escape Velocity may indeed throw some listeners a bit of curve ball, assuming they are not familiar with the style, but since I've always had an interest in this sort of music and its various off-shoots, its probably about time I got into Zombi. And, I can only hope to enjoy their discography further as this one is a winner and a fine starting point.