The musical journey of the members of UK outfit Zedi Forder has left behind a legacy of metal and rock induced captivation under the guises of Tricore, An Entire Legion, and Rind Skank; an adventure we caught upon from its early days and have lustfully devoured thereon in, their previous escapades in Zedi Forder no exception. May sees the trio unleash their second album and yes the slavery of our ears, instincts, and imagination continues through Isolation.
In fact there is not just Isolation to consider as the band has also unveiled twinned project Zedi Forder Superium with its first release, Judgement. Consistently the band’s songs feel like they are itching to venture to other places whilst relishing the landscape they thrill, this alter-ego of sorts pure fascination just as a thought before a sound was heard and which you can explore with us in a separate review on the site. As for Isolation; it is a release not bred by the current challenge upon the whole world, though it feels a perfect soundtrack for current times, but one borne “out of a sense of feeling separate and apart from the various communities and industry elements that dominate most of the music world.” From their first days as Zedi Forder the threesome of guitarist Mark Carstairs, drummer/vocalist and primary song writer Chris Kerley, and bassist Rich Tomsett have musically stood outside of the crowd and too often the richness of attention deserved but with a so what defiance which fuels their invention, power, and imagination. It is a situation and attitude which has wrapped Carstairs and Kerley across their decade long creative union also embracing those previous bands though you can only feel it has also been incitement to their true uniqueness and one of the UK’s finest if yet to be truly recognised songwriters in Kerley.
With Carstairs departing after the release of the Woking band’s first album in 2017, being firstly replaced by April Cox, the band’s current line-up was completed by Wayne Clifford last year, a seamless change which has seen the band spring some of their finest moments yet within Isolation. The instantly intriguing One Hundred Exactly starts things up, gently caressing ears with guitar and bass as breath bred sighs shimmer. Kerley’s distinctive tones and melodic touch is already feeding a waiting appetite which became only greedier once the song erupts in a charge of hungry riffs and carnivorously swung rhythms. Zedi Forder have a wholly unique sound which is as pungent within Isolation but as the opener swiftly insists it does not stop each track caging new and fresh adventures and trespasses. The opener continues to flourish as metal and heavy rock essences collude, again in a sound which defies true tagging as it teases in variety and diversity.
The outstanding start continues through Partaay, waspish grooves instantly seducing our imagination and imagination as the band proceed to harass and encroach on the senses. As with all songs though, things twist in an instant, change in a moment of mischief as unpredictability seeds virulent captivation found within the mercurial encounter before JoJo conjures its own magnetic field of electronic and sonic contemplation around the expressive and animated vocals of Kerley. As it bites it seduces, rhythms skilfully plundering the senses as grooves prove infernal flirtation in another enslaving moment within Isolation.
Through the metal forged and infectious dare we say almost electro poppy antics of The Herder, a glorious slice of viral addictiveness, and Messy Mechanical with its electronicore scented, infection loaded multi-flavoured rock stroll there was an escalation in attention and pleasure which No Taint stalked and added to with its mix of rhythmic predation and melodic seduction. As within all songs, there is plenty more going on to hungrily court the imagination, electronic and alternative textures as prevalent as other funk and metal nurtured aspects.
Shallow Black provides an epic and atmospheric excursion next but as you may now expect one which challenges as it entices, dark almost apocalyptic enterprise merging with invigorating melodic and sonic temptation while straight after Anonymoose springs a web of cosmopolitan temptation and insular trespass as virulent and rousing as anything within this and any album heard so far this year.
The trio continue to devour expectations and grip ears through the diverse combination of Try Your Luck, a track as funky as it is rapacious, the electronically infested cauldron of metal provocation that is We’re All Coloured, and the similarly bred and equally unique Alterway; the trio providing maelstroms of flawed emotion and intimacy aligned to riveting manipulation.
Wake Up is the final track, as in the last Kerley’s rhythms shaping the attack as potently as his tones and here prowling through the darkest shadows and intense emotions as wiry grooves wrap around the senses alongside the tenebrific crawl of the bass. It is a superb end to the release, an almost claustrophobic pleasure and another major highlight among so many within Isolation.
As mentioned we have been hooked on the band’s sound since day one but that brings a greedier and harsher demand for innovation and surprise with every release; once again Zedi Forder has delivered and how…
Isolation is exclusively released May 15th @ https://tricore.bandcamp.com/ with a “PAY WHAT YOU LIKE” pricing.
https://www.zediforder.com/ https://www.facebook.com/zediforder https://twitter.com/ZediForder
Pete RingMaster 14/05/2020
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