The idea of adding synthesizers to progressive rock is nothing new, but no band has made it sound quite as refreshing and deep as the Pittsburgh-based duo known as Zombi. On the surface, bassist Steve Moore and drummer A.E. Paterra may not look like much, but with the addition of the synth elements to their sound, there may as well be twenty people in Zombie instead of two. The rich color and intricate layering of their instrumental prog rock is entrancing, recalling instrumentals by Pink Floyd and the sound shifts of mid-’80s Rush. Letting the synthesizers do the talking, Zombi’s newest album Escape Velocity is a tutorial in utilizing seemingly disparate elements for synergistic, harmonized outcomes. Listen to “Slow Oscillations” here for proof, as Zombi prove themselves in under three minutes to be more enthralling than most bands can be in twice that amount of time.
Zombi’s new album Escape Velocity is out May 10th on Relapse Records. You can pre-order the album in various packages, as well as purchase their back catalogue, at this location.