It’s been five years since Zombie Zombie, known for their captivating and unique brand of music, released ‘Rituels d’un Nouveau Monde.’ In the intervening years, the group has ventured into diverse creative landscapes, composing scores for films such as ‘Loubia Hamra’ and ‘Irréprochable’, and crafting the music for ‘Slow Futur,’ a contemporary circus show. This exploration of different artistic forms has seemingly fueled their return to their core sound, marking a decade since their debut album ‘A Land for Renegades’ in 2007, an album celebrated by Rough Trade as one of the year’s best. Now, Zombie Zombie returns with ‘Livity’, an album that plunges listeners into a science fiction realm while staying deeply connected to the vital energy of life itself.
A Decade of Renegade Sounds: Zombie Zombie’s Journey
Zombie Zombie has consistently pushed boundaries in the music scene. Before diving into ‘Livity’, it’s worth noting their established legacy. ‘A Land for Renegades’ solidified their position as innovators, and ‘Rituels d’un Nouveau Monde’ further showcased their evolving sound. Their foray into film scores and circus music demonstrates a band constantly seeking new avenues for expression. This rich and varied background sets the stage for ‘Livity’, suggesting an album informed by a wealth of experience and artistic curiosity. Fans familiar with Zombie Zombie’s previous work will recognize their signature elements, yet ‘Livity’ promises to be a fresh chapter in their musical journey.
“Livity”: Exploring Life Force Through Sound
The album title itself, ‘Livity,’ immediately sparks intrigue. While it might initially evoke images of dub music from Island Records’ Compass Point studio, its true meaning delves deeper. “Livity,” or “Life force,” is a Rastafarian spiritual concept that posits an inherent energy flowing through all living beings. This concept forms the thematic core of the album, contrasting with the science fiction imagery evoked by the cover art. Speaking of which, the cover is designed by the legendary Philippe Druillet, founder of the iconic Métal Hurlant comic series. Druillet’s distinctive style perfectly encapsulates the album’s blend of futuristic and organic elements, hinting at the sonic journey within. The artwork and title together create a compelling invitation to explore the album’s themes of life and energy within a sci-fi context.
Recorded Live, Mixed with Magic: The Album’s Creation
‘Livity’ was brought to life during a concentrated recording session in Paris last winter. In just seven days, Zombie Zombie captured the raw energy of their live performances, recording seven tracks live in the studio. The core trio – Etienne Jaumet (synthesizers, rhythm box, metallophone, sax), Cosmic Neman (drums, vocals, sound effects), and Dr. Schonberg (percussion, electronics, trumpet) – collaborated with engineers Thibaut Javoy and Jerome Caron at Red Bull Studios. To further enhance the album’s sonic texture, mixing duties were entrusted to I:Cube, a respected figure from the Versatile Records family, working in the label’s Victor Studio. This collaborative and focused approach, combining live recording with expert mixing, suggests an album that captures both spontaneity and refined sonic detail.
Sonic Explorations: From Krautrock to Hip Hop and Beyond
Staying true to their established sound, ‘Livity’ remains distinctly Zombie Zombie. Their music continues to defy mainstream radio conventions, favoring extended instrumental passages built upon analog synthesizers and drum machines, organically layered with live drums and percussion. However, I:Cube’s mixing touch injects an added dimension, mirroring the captivating energy of their live shows. The title track, “Livity,” exemplifies this, blending powerful 808 kick drums with evocative jungle soundscapes – a truly unique sonic concoction. Another standout track, “Hippocampe,” conjures the spirit of old-school hip hop rhythms, amplified by the intensity of a metal band, albeit one wielding synthesizers instead of guitars. This track is particularly recommended for high-speed convertible drives.
The cinematic quality that defines much of Zombie Zombie’s music remains prominent on ‘Livity’. Tracks like “Ils existent..” and “Acera,” the latter originally composed for ciné-concerts accompanying films by Jean Painlevé and Maurice Pialat, showcase this aspect. While their signature krautrock inspiration is still evident, ‘Livity’ also ventures into new sonic territories. “Looose” evokes the avant-garde jazz of the Art Ensemble of Chicago and the raw energy of James Chance’s New York scene in the early 1980s, highlighted by free sax solos from Etienne Jaumet and Dr. Schonberg on trumpet. The album also explores calmer, more introspective moments with tracks like “Heavy Meditation,” and delves into experimental realms reminiscent of 70s French groups like Lard Free or Richard Pinhas, as heard in the bonus track “Black Moon.”
In conclusion, ‘Livity’ is an album that rewards patient listening. It’s a rich and layered work that invites you to immerse yourself in Zombie Zombie’s unique sonic universe. Take your time, press play, and enjoy the journey into the life force of Zombie Zombie’s music.
(Versatile Records, released Oct 2017)
