EP Review: Small Wars by Zurich

Zurich is an Oxford based band consisting of Adrian Banks (bass & vocals), Chris Gillet (guitar & vocals), and Leigh Taylor (drums & samples). Not only does Zurich capture the hysteria of 80s electronic pop but they also infuse a blend of classically popularised rock into their music: a startlingly evocative mix sought after by many music fanatics. Their sound as a whole is both unique yet familiar through the use of characterised deep vocals, shredding guitar riffs and thrilling combinations of both drum and bass, key indicators of soulful rock tunes.

‘Small Wars’ is the latest EP to have borne the band’s signature sound where we find a variation of both up-tempo tracks and those that are a little softer, but no less transfixing. Two of the most climatic tracks you’ll find include ‘Chemical’ and ‘Alone’. ‘Chemical’ is everything you could expect from a rock song: it rises with an extraordinarily dramatic intro and damnably satisfying drum beats, plummeting into a rich, crisp chorus, leaving you on edge, begging for the music to flourish into something even more majestic (if that was even possible).  Essentially it provides the husky tone of voice respective of a soul-driven musician. ‘Alone’ is another dramatic track drenched with emotion, which like ‘Chemical’, fixates on taking the subject of love and making it both melancholic but addictive.

To not be just a good band, but a great one, a band needs to show that not all rock songs have to be loud to be powerful. Luckily for them, Zurich is able to show just the right amount of flexibility with their music. ‘Invisible Man’ takes on a slower tempo to ‘Alone’ but is, if not more, musically complex with the addition of synths and a noticeably more audible change in chord progression. While it sounds elaborate it works really well to make the song sound more in tune with techno tracks currently circulating the charts.

‘Menace’ on the other hand, is a lot heavier on guitar, fixated on the inner artistry of rock. The title is intriguing so it doubtlessly leaves you curious about the song and without disappointment: a variation and change in pace, chords and tempo creates a sense of excitement, trepidation and boosts satisfaction.  Lyrically it’s dark and languid, “f*** these ghosts of mine”, which appeals to the side of you that begs to rebel against the system, almost luring out the unadulterated demon within us. It doesn’t half pack a punch when a band can have such an impact without screaming violently (we’re looking at you Slipknot).

However, whilst the EP is in majority, something of class and true recommendation, ‘Small Wars’ fell short of my full appraisal. I admire the band’s direction into showing this dichotomy between love and hate, which is a theme commonly used in rock songs. The echo effects also help give the impression that the lyrics are the slurred words of a scarred man, which is evocative to say the least. However, the combination of the deep vocals set against the milder, softer paced melody sounds disjointed. While Adrian’s voice is exactly what you want to find in a rock track it doesn’t quite match well with the more delicate tune set here.

Despite this, the more you listen, the battle cry chanting of "ride it out" filters into your mind and becomes more attractive by the minute.  The violin at the end gives this song a raw and unique Celtic air which subverts our expectations of a rock song in a far more confounding way: thus rendering it a reasonably good tune. 

Although not every song will appeal to every listener, Zurich are a remarkable band with an almost effortless ability to bring forth music that is rooted both lyrically and musically in the rock genre. Many times I found myself searching to link their sound with other bands, such as Muse, whose dark themes resonate within ‘Menace’, and Linkin Park’s Numb where you’ll find the melody connecting with the guitar riffs in ‘Chemical’. Other times it’s hard to find comparison because they’re trying to set new ground for themselves as artists: they’re putting themselves out there, providing a rich and explosive sound which is familiar but new. For that reason I have a great respect for what they do. I certainly look forward to what comes next for this band of inexplicably great, local talent.

The ‘Small Wars’ EP is due release Monday 21^st September and can be pre-ordered now on iTunes.

Physical copies are available for pre-order online.