Clearly rejuvenated after bringing their landmark 1968 album Odessey & Oracle to the live stage in recent times, the first collection of new material to bear The Zombies’ name since 2004 is a gloriously uplifting record. As well as marking the 50th anniversary of the band’s formation, it’s a far-reaching tribute to the lyrical and melodic joys that have inspired the group over the years.
While by no means an attempt to fashion a wholesale replica of the pop psychedelia of O&O, both Blunstone and Argent admit returning to that masterpiece played a part in bringing focus to the new songs. The opening title track is just gorgeous: multi-layered harmonies driving a tune that sounds like Steely Dan ruling the roost over an early 70s Beach Boys party. Play It For Real unashamedly references The Beatles, Argent’s thundering piano riff throwing a stick for the Fabs’ Hey Bulldog to chase.
Blunstone’s achingly beautiful voice wraps itself round the pastoral balladry of Shine On Sunshine (originally recorded by Argent’s eponymously-named 70s group) and swoops and soars on the skippy folk of A Moment In Time, while Argent himself displays a surprisingly powerful falsetto on Show Me The Way. In truth, there are a couple of generic AOR crimes, but the great more than outweighs the average. We should applaud, hoot and holler that two men in their mid-60s still have the energy and passion to make the second-best album of their lengthy careers.
