The Zombies have released their seventh album. It is their first since 2015’s Still Got That Hunger. I have to be honest. Even though I am a music fan, The Zombies are an act who have somewhat passed me by. Aside from grooving on the backseat of a bus to She’s Not There or listening to the vocal harmonies on the song Time of the Season, my familiarity is very limited. I approach this album without any prior knowledge of the deeper cuts that often make a band legendary, and I find that very exciting.
The album begins with the title track, which has a gorgeous organ part accompanied by a beautiful string section. The mood is sombre yet somewhat uplifting. The track ends on a classical note. Dropped Reeling and Stupid takes things in a funkier direction, led by the tones of an electric piano. Listening through the first half of the album, one can appreciate the mix of melancholy, funk and wistful vibes, the melodies occasionally eliciting a haunting quality.
From the little I know about the Zombies, their vocal harmonies are something that always sticks out when looking them up. Their ability to harmonise hasn’t diminished, with some beautiful work on songs including Rediscover, Runaway, and Love You While I Can, Colin Blunstone’s versatile lead vocals soar when the song requires it, reaching those high notes with a large amount of sensitivity and control with a touch of vulnerability.
Another thing which strikes me is the accomplished musicianship. The playing across the whole album is flawless, with the intricate guitar parts, and the use of electric piano, being a highlight. The arrangements are varied, with the opportunity for a mix of moods and genres. Merry-Go-Round gives opportunities for the Zombies to rock out, while I Want To Fly verges on the path to Classical. There are also moments of 60s Pop and Blues.
Rod Argent wrote nine out of the ten songs, which is seriously impressive; Each song is diverse yet cohesive. For this reviewer: Highlights include You Could Be My Love, Different Game, I Want to Fly, The Sun Will Rise Again (a Blunstone composition) and I Got to Move On.
A Little Something Extra…
The album is presented in a gatefold cardboard sleeve and contains a ten-page booklet. Inside it are lyrics to all of the songs included. On the back of the booklet is a rundown of the people behind the record, including musician and production information.
Conclusion
This is an album which will get better and better after each listen. As someone who knew only a handful of songs from this group’s ‘glory years’, the eclectic yet together nature of this album has stunned me. There are subtle nods to the 60s and 70s through certain choices, but this album has a freshness. There is so much atmosphere to be found here, and I’m all for it. Maybe after checking out some of their past work, I shall find even more. As it stands, I found it an enjoyable listen with plenty of variety, stunning musicianship and intriguing arrangements that deserve multiple listens. Different Game by The Zombies is available to buy on CD and Vinyl.
Track Listing
- Different Game
- Dropped Reeling & Stupid
- Rediscover
- Runaway
- You Could Be My Love
- Merry-Go-Round
- Love You While I Can
- I Want to Fly
- Got to Move On
- The Sun Will Rise Again
Different Game - The Zombies
