Review by Lydia Evans for MPM
King Zebra is set to release their latest album, Between the Shadows, on 12th April 2024 under Frontiers Records.
The band hails from Zurich, Switzerland, and has been established in the music scene since their self-titled EP released in 2019.
Frontiers Music says that the band “…emerges as the new face of rock in a harmonious fusion of youthful exuberance and veteran wisdom”. King Zebra has shared stages with bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and Rose Tattoo. Between the Shadows is highly anticipated and has been an album three years in the making.
The album opens with Starlight, an upbeat and catchy rock song. Immediately I’m engrossed by Eric St Michaels’ vocals, which are clean and smooth. St Michaels was formerly the vocalist of Swiss rock band China, and brings his passion and powerful vocals to King Zebra.
Children of the Night is the album’s first single, with a music video released on 6th March. The music video is absolutely worth a watch – it’s a superhero-eque, anime cartoon style video of the band and works great in conjunction with the song.
The song features keyboards backing up heavy guitars and chants of “we are the children of the night”. A lot of the songs have anthemic, chanting vocals during the choruses which bring the high energy and power.
Wicked is another song of that caliber; it’s a heavy song with a shredding guitar solo and that repetitive, ** chorus. What’s a better title for an 80s rock song than a woman’s name? Between the Shadows has its
song named after a woman’s name: Dina. It has that 80s rock feel to it, as does Love Lies.
You can hear the arena rock inspiration with the booming drums and choruses that demand you sing
along.
Cyanide compares love to poison with lyrics of “I feel the poison flowing / running through my veins / it’s my cyanide”. The chants of “hey hey hey” over the guitar solo are commanding.
It’s a dynamic, passionate track. With You Forever features melodic guitars, a loud and muddy bassline, and an impressive guitar solo. Love Me Tonight is another song that showcases the groovy bass. Listening, you can hear how this album is polished in all the right ways.
Everything is crisp from the guitars to the vocals. Out in the Wild fits its title – with an introduction of police radio sounds against guitars, precise drums, and heavy, melodic guitar solos, it’s one of my favourite tracks.
The final track, Restless Revolution, has a slightly different touch to it, yet it’s still distinctively King Zebra. It has a funky, retro feel with the guitar riff and unique percussion.
Between the Shadows nicely showcases King Zebra’s distinctive and polished sound. It’s
definitely worth listening to upon its release on 12th April
Follow King Zebra
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kingzebra/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KINGZEBRA.band
Twitter https://twitter.com/KingZebraRocks
King Zebra by Sven Probst.
