Zincs - Dimmer
by Benjamin Howarth
published: 24 / 6 / 2005
Label:
Thrill Jockey
Format: CD
intro
Witty, accomplished second album from the Zincs, who are fronted by Chicago-based Englishman James Elkington
Pity all those bands that struggle gamely to make a great album, all those Ride’s, Terris’s, House of Love’s, bottling it under pressure and breaking up, humiliated. Even very good bands find life very difficult. Pity them because some bands make life sound very, very easy, and the Zincs are one such band. They can turn their hands to any genre they feel like, write witty but poignant lyrics and have a really good vocalist. Their second album, 'Zimmer', is a thoroughly solid record, well played, well recorded and well conceived. It is a triumph for all those who believe you don‘t have to aim high (or be high!) to make good music. James Elkington is an Englishman, but he lives in Chicago, and on his second album he has made the Zincs a full band. They back him brilliantly, as if they had been playing together for decades. Violins, harmonicas, organs add life to a standard indie rock back up. Like Pavement, there’s a hint of country and a bit of classic rock, but basically its an indie album. Elkington has a very British wit, finding humour in the blackest imagery. And as he repeats, “Don’t make me laugh”, on the standout, 'Stay In Your Homes' we are reminded that wit doesn’t always have to be cheerful. With 'Dimmer,' the Zincs should reach a wide audience. It is hard not to like this album. The songs are well written, the band can play and it is tasteful but not too generic. Once again, Thrill Jockey have signed a band that will delight their audience.
Track Listing:-
1 Breathe in the Disease2 Beautiful Lawyers
3 Bad Shepherds
4 Passengers
5 Stay in Your Homes
6 A Colt's Tooth
7 Moment is Now!
8 New Thought
9 Sunday Night
10 The Meagre Prick
Label Links:-
http://www.thrilljockey.com/https://www.facebook.com/ThrillJockey
https://twitter.com/thrilljockey
reviews |
Black Pompadour (2007) |
Airy sounding, but late night third album from the Zincs, the project of former Elevate and Sophia guitarist and now Chicago-based Englishman James Elkington |
most viewed articles
current edition
Beat Featuring Ranking Jnr - Sala Jerusalem, Valencia, 18/2/2024X Ray Spex - Interview
London Afrobeat Collective - 16 Toneladas, Valencia, 21/2/2024
Dead Poet Society - Photoscapes
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Photoscapes
Happy Mondays - Photoscapes
Paloma Faith - Photoscapes 2
Stiff Little Fingers - Photoscapes
Paloma Faith - Photoscapes 1
Byrds - Every Album, Every Song
most viewed reviews
current edition
Black Crowes - Happiness BastardsKaiser Chiefs - Kaiser Chiefs' Easy Eighth Album
Texas and Spooner Oldham - The Muscle Shoals Sessions
Caity Baser - Still Learning
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Libertines - All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade
Sheryl Crow - Evolution
Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for Bread
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart