If all was right with the world, The Zebras would be a veritable Aussie institution. Instead, Tony Abbott is in the Lodge, the weather is fucking bananas and it’s near impossible to find any information on this band at all. These guys have been around since almost the turn of the century and were regulars on Brisbane’s live circuit before moving to Melbourne in 2007. Their second album, Worry A Lot, was praised by Rolling Stone and the Australian, and over the years they’ve supported bands like The Shins, The Mountain Goats and Lambchop.
The Zebras’ relative obscurity may be to do with the fact they’re named after everyone’s favourite stripey equid. Lord knows the people love their online safari ephemera, so a Google search leads to a lot of videos of hunting scenes. Plus, so far as I’m aware, they haven’t released anything since the 2008 EP New Ways of Risking Our Lives. Whatever the reason, it’s a crying shame, because The Zebras’ Sarah Records-channelling power pop is damn near perfect.
The band is signed to Lost and Lonesome, the twee-revivalist imprint run by Mark Monnone of The Lucksmiths. With boy-girl harmonies and organ-like synth tones, The Zebra’s ‘Chase’ recalls the bittersweet gems of Rocketship. There are also intimations of fellow analogue obsessives Broadcast and Stereolab, especially in the timbre of Edwina Ewin’s lead vocal. ‘Chase’ features on Lost and Lonesome’s 15th birthday sampler. With charming contributions from The Icypoles, The Sublets, Captain Coach and more, it’s well worth a listen.
January 27, 2014 6:13 pm
Absolutely loving the new Zebras. Great vox Edwina x