Review Summary: Developing new paths...
For a band, 5 years mean a lot, especially these days. You can change several directions, emerge and even disband during that span. The Italian stoner/sludge act, Zippo have spent a lot of time developing a new path, after losing one of the guitarists. Their previous two LPs,
The Road To Knowledge (2009) &
Maktub (2011), have been all encompassing conceptual journeys that featured intricate guitar and bass interplay, ranging from haunting passages to brutal outings. Now, as a 4-piece, the guys have crafted something different yet still familiar for those who are accustomed to their output.
After Us is arguably the weirdest album recorded by them so far. Although less dense in terms of layers, this is their darkest and most challenging work. The uneasy atmosphere gets gradually enhanced with each track, creating a mesmerizing experience. Starting rather light in sound with the straightforward ‘Low Song’, it soon proves to be only the tip of the iceberg. It boasts a groovy, fuzz-drenched main riff on top of which the powerful vocals soar. The coda introduces a dissonant lead that accompanies the catchy lyrics. After this ditty, Zippo delve deeper with heavier cuts like ‘Comatose’ or ‘Adrift (Yet Alive)’. Both share a sludge-meets-stoner vibe, one seemingly influenced by Weedeater, while the other sounds like Monster Magnet gone mental. Again, the vocals help a lot, occasionally offering some melodic touches, thus contrasting the rhythm section.
Zippo have always included peculiar elements in their compositions, usually taking shape as odd noises, eerie guitars or keyboard leads and this is one of the main aspects that ties
After Us with its predecessors. Mainly the longer cuts make use of them in order to create an uncanny sound that slowly unfolds. Starting with a faint snare beat, plus a thrilling bass line, ‘Familiar Roads’ grows to a march pattern, buzzing e-bow guitar note and echoed vocals. There’s a harrowing vibe that amplifies with each minute, until the riffs take over and Davide screams his lungs out. Moreover, ‘Stage6’ acts like a paranoia trip, alternating from minimal instrumental segments and loud, discordant outbursts. This is one of their most polarizing tracks, still I find it luring because of its biased nature. Another highlight is ‘Summer Black’ which at a first glance, feels like a more uplifting tune, until it drowns you in piercing solos and shrieks. It deceives you in the most pleasant manner.
Overall,
After Us is a dividing affair that requires repeated listens to grasp its core. Even if it’s less tangled than
Maktub or
The Road To Knowledge, the harsh nature of the songs makes them less penetrable. It is clear that Zippo have used this downtime to try out multiple directions and I believe this album represents both a transition towards things to come, as well as a ride that truly stands on its own. Dig it.
