As well as releasing electronic music on Ron Morelli’s feted L.I.E.S. label, and the sporadically brilliant Ghost Box, as well a particularly impressive outing on Static Caravan (as Primitive Neural Pathways), Steve Moore is the bass- and synth-playing half of Zombi. On Shape Shift, a heavier, darker and more rock-sounding record than fans of 2009’s Escape Velocity might be expecting, he is doing his utmost to show the acceptable face of horror-suited post-rock. Meanwhile, his accomplice, AE Paterra, provides the path from which they must not stray by beating several shades of something out of his drumkit.
Given the duo’s self-confessed preoccupation with the films of George Romero (their name derives from the European release of Dawn of the Dead) it is easy to draw comparisons with Goblin and John Carpenter. Indeed the music, at least in part, positively encourages this. However – and it’s a big however – over their career, Zombi have thrown rock shapes and house motifs into the mix to create something that is both unique and hugely satisfying.
Paterra’s rhythm choices are key to this, and Shape Shift is no exception. He marries the propulsive pummel of rock with the precise placement of Prog and, in doing so, tethers the space-rock synths to a very earthly anchor. While, for many, Prog is still a four-letter term to describe the artless pursuit of complexity for its own sake, Zombi manage to avoid these excesses, by concentrating for the most part on neat hooks and simple melodies. It’s a hugely satisfying combination and one that is prone to doling out earworms: the chug-along opener and bold mission statement “Pillars of the Dawn”, the arpeggiated twinkle that heralds “Toroidal Vortices” and the dark, tumbling bassline that follows it, and many more besides…
True, the further we venture into this world, the longer they allow themselves. However, while “Interstellar Package” (more than eight minutes) and “Siberia” (nearly a quarter of an hour) could probably lose a few bars without drastically impacting on the artistic vision, these tracks succeed, as does the whole collection, by sticking to an impressive focus and sense of purpose that could take your head right off.
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