Start Where You Stand
RandomAxe, 2022
8/10
Listen to Start Where You Stand
The Brooklyn outfit Zan Zone return with more of Zan Burnham’s diverse songs, where the new co-lead vocalist Angela Watson Modeste completes the 4 part harmonies that also includes Arianna Burnham and Phillip Dessinger.
“Bad Dreams” opens the listen with warm guitar, as thumping drums and smooth singing enter the soothing yet rugged climate, and “Start Where You Stand” follows with a spirited prog-rock slant that welcomes some classic rock ideas amid the firm melodies.
Further down the line, “Extinction: Rebellion” displays intricate guitar progressions and strategic drumming that builds into a busy, precise landscape, while “THAT” moves with a dreamy quality that’s quite mesmerizing and showcases dual gender vocals.
Moving towards the end, the album’s best, “Survival”, shows hints of folk-rock alongside swirling melodies, and “Holdin’ You Tight” exits the listen with very pretty singing to complement the intimate and romantic finish.
Very tragically, Burnham’s wife, Marilyn Lisa Feldmen, passed away in 2021, and these well thought out songs are dedicated to her memory, as Saadi Zain handles electric and acoustic bass and Marko Djordjevic’s skilled drumming and percussion help illuminate the soaring voices and meticulous instrumentation.
Travels well with: Zan Zone- It’s Only Natural; The Grand Undoing- In A Vigil State