Zeal – ‘Wasps’

November 12, 2009 New Music Posted by: Matt Hickey No Comments

Zeal - ‘Wasps’ (mp3)

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According to the press release, Zeal makes both indietronica music and also animated videos of cats in space in his bedroom. I want to see that bedroom.

‘Wasps’ is his latest single and it’s a lot like the rad stuff flowing out of the Anticon stable. Like Anticon flagship acts WHY? and Themselves, Zeal starts with a hip hop frame work and injects it with experimental pop and uncoventional beats. There’s also the enthralling, idiosyncratic lyrics (“wasps sent for our enemies / to save us from the commies and their left-handed past”), layered vocals, and nasal delivery.

I really don’t mean to chalk this up as a merely derivative work. For one, LA-based label Anticon is one of my favourite labels in the world so I totally welcome anything from those guys, or anything that sounds like it could be from them. Also, this track doesn’t just aggregate their stylistic tropes – it’s catchy and effective, with a playful arrangement and obscure rhymes to match with the Doseone and co. I really like this track – you shall be seeing more from this guy on whothehell.net

‘Wasps’ is also featured on the latest New Weird Australia compilation.

New Weird Australia is a rad initiative that promotes”eclectic and experimental” Australian music. Since starting early this year, the website has managed to release free, download-only compilations every two months that are well worth checking out. The latest of these was put up just last week and features the above track, as well as stuff by other super cool dudes like AFXJIM, Eraser, and Comatone. Click the cover art to download the compilation.