Higher Calling
Redtone, 2026
9/10
The San Francisco duo, Effie Zilch, bring plenty of riffs to these sonically engaging 9 songs from Steve Wyreman and Evanne Barcenas (Effie Zilch), who welcome Rhees Williams, John Wood and Will Baldocchi to the affair.
“Easy” opens with Wyreman’s warm keys and Zilch’s cozy voice making an impression with much grace and soulfulness, and “Lover Boy” follows with Wood’s frisky drums that align with the expressive singing of the retro-fueled fun.
Arriving in the middle, “Teardrops” benefits from Williams’ skilled upright bass in the intimate climate, while “Underneath The Weather” is strong on ambience and rhythm for the album’s best.
Close to the end, “On The Loose” recruits Baldocchi’s drumming across the busy yet meticulous delivery that’s got some funk fun to it, and “Where We Go” exits with a bare moment via the gentle acoustic guitar, well timed harmonica and bright storytelling.
This is Effie Zilch’s 5th release in 3 years and the band’s inimitable gospel and Motown flavored ways sure does put a really unique spin on the blues.
Travels well with: Effie Zilch- Multitudes; Grey DeLisle- The Grey Album