If say to you ‘rock with orchestral instrumentation’, you’re going to get the completely wrong idea about Zlang Zlut. Yes, they make heavy use of violins and cellos, but they really make use of them, and the result is pretty heavy.  Maybe more for the open-minded connoisseur of old school, progressive rock, this is a finely crafted release which displays both an intelligent understanding of riff-worship and an enthusiasm and vibrancy in the classical music realm.

There’s just such an energy throughout, swamped in original dirt and hooks that would have The White Stripes wailing in envy.  While there is a consistent character, each track reminds me a little of a different great; AC/DC, Whitesnake, Thunder – they’ve all seeped in without hijacking the party.  Even later torch-bearers – some now forgotten – have limbo’d in, with a whiff of Skin here, the shadow of Little Angels over there. Is that Faith No More handing out home brew in the corner..?

Don’t let me lead you down the path to thinking this is purely old-fashioned.  The case is more that music hasn’t captured this true-to-form rock ‘n’ roll vibe effectively for quite some time.  At least no new bands have.  The return to form of the likes of Skid Row and Ugly Kid Joe is telling evidence that music audiences are still interested in this sound, but sadly, it may be the case that the bands who will truly be able to take advantage of this are those who were already established years ago.

This album is a genuine and whole-hearted celebration of a somewhat by-gone art, and bringing it back with a twist.  I’d really like to see these guys swagger a bit further into the limelight, but I’m not 100% sure that the present musical climate will allow that.  Still, I’ll be listening, and their tunes will likely pop up at a drunken knees-up or two.