ZOOPARTY
RE-FUSE
Track Listing:
| Bring The Bored | ||
| C'mon | ||
| General Cutter | ||
| Insane | ||
| The Nevers | ||
| MP3 | Neat Freak | |
| Intro | ||
| We Have The Right To Know What's Wrong | ||
| MP3 | Raised On Boredom | |
| Criminals Police The Criminals | ||
| Laying Low Is Not What We Do | ||
| Die |
Reviews:
| MAXIMUMROCKNROLL #320 |
| Sweden does it again with another brilliant melodic punk band, Zooparty could be members of Smalltown and Randy playing together, they're that good. They have a very sharp, catchy, clean sound that makes it very hard to sit still. They also have definite pop sensibilities and with some crazy songwriting and backup vocals I thought of the Rezillos and the Toy Dolls. The Ramones would be a more obvious influence of course, but this is anything but copycat--they have a very original sound that bursts with energy and hooks. There is also guest playing by none other than Glen Matlock and Brian James! (It's true too; there are pictures!) This is brilliant. If you like your punk catchy as hell then I can't recommend this enough... So am I the last person to hear of Zooparty?? |
| RAZORCAKE #54 |
| New records featuring work, especially guest work, by old punk luminaries can be dicey propositions. Too often the luminaries in question have long moved past their former punk personas and any attempts to reconnect come off as either trading in their name for a quick payday or a textbook case of what happens when you forget what you were about. This is not the case here. Zooparty is a Swedish band that delivers rock-solid tunes heavily influenced by the first wave of UK punk bands. While the lyrics aren't exactly Thoreau, the tunes are catchy and well-delivered. Best of all, the old punk luminaries guesting here -- the Damned's Brian James and Sex Pistols' Glen Matlock -- actually add, rather than detract, heft to the proceedings. Gotta say, this is one of the better releases in this style I've heard in a while. |
| SUBURBAN VOICE BLOG #84 |
| The term '77-inspired punk is often bandied about, including by your faithful scribe, but what does it really mean? Ramones? Sure... but going across the pond, it can also encompass such bands as the Boys, Lurkers and, of course, Pistols. Well, Zooparty conjure up those bands on their latest and, just to reinforce things, bring along some heavy-hitters for "Re-Fuse." Glen Matlock from the Pistols/Rich Kids and Brian James from the Damned are all over this record, contributing some tasteful guitar scorch, Thunders toss-offs and the like. Well-tread rockin' punk but damn if it doesn't do the trick with the songs' formidable hook-craft. Every buzzin' guitar line and harmonious backing vocal perfectly in place for a rousing good time. |
| BIG CHEESE (UNITED KINGDOM) |
| Swedish outfit Zooparty's debut 2007 album 'You Are Here' was justly well-received, and with 'Re-Fuse' they follow it up in fine style. Again they are joined by illustrious personages Glen Matlock and Brian James on guitars, and again Zooparty have come up with a collection of bouncy, tuneful, smoothly-produced '77-style punk rock songs. The staccato guitars on 'Laying Low Is Not What We Do' immediately catch the ear, while the Brian James-produced 'Die' is a little more rough 'n' ready than most, but none the worse for that. 4/5 |
| GOD SAVE THE SEX PISTOLS (UNITED KINGDOM) |
| A corker of punk rock album. I've been playing the latest offering by Sweden's Zooparty since its release in October last year; I made it one of my choices of 2009 in my Editorial. It's time to give it a bigger plug. Why? Because it's pretty damn good. And it's bolstered by the involvement of both Glen Matlock and the Damned's Brian James. As mentioned in the report below, Glen played guitar on Raised On Boredom, The Nevers, Bring The Bored, We Have The Right To Know What's Wrong, C'mon and General Cutter. Brian James chips in with distinctive scuzzy lead breaks on C'mon and We Have The Right... Punchy and powerful, and sung in English, this trio of die hard punks tear through anti-authority anthems as though it was 1977. “We were raised on boredom, now we're raising hell” they scream like men possessed. It must be pretty grim over in Sweden. These guys are not happy; “bring a book with a happy ending” they urge during their opening gambit. Strangely enough, Re-Fuse will leave you feeling pretty good about yourself. It's well produced, full throttle, and energetic. If you fancy taking a punt on some derivative punk rock action from the continent, give ZooParty a try. Can you refuse? |
| FUNGALPUNK (UNITED KINGDOM) |
| Some Swedish pop-punkers
here who repair some of the damage done to our lugs by the country's most famous export
Abba (who actually were bloody good at what they did even if you like it or not). Anyway,
I didn't know what to expect here and after examining the sleeve notes and seeing that
Glen Matlock and Brian James had been pottering away with the gonads of the guitar my
curiosity was aroused further and my musical member solidified somewhat. Anyone who knows
me, though, will know that I hold no favour with 'names' and such, thus realising they are
quite capable of contributing to the crapheap like the next player in the pipeline. So let
us see shall we and uncover whether or not we have a stonking Swedish sausage on our hands
to savour and promote or just another trembling turd to turn our noses up at and swiftly
flush away. The first stroke of 'Bring The Bored' is escorted at once by the first line of vocalisation and the immediate reaction is to embrace the enthusiastic ambience and pop-filled zeal. The main winning aspect so soon is that the output sounds fresh, breezy and void of any clamorous cobwebs that occasionally hinder the end outpouring. Chorus and verse are kept trimmed and like a well-fitting pair of undies there is no scrotal sonica on show thus making for a very pleasing pouch of melody indeed. I like this entrance very much and am a keen believer in the first cut being the deepest. This has gotta be a fan favourite and I suspect wherever Zooparty end up this is a song that will always be called for as an encore winner. 'C'mon' gnaws away at the mental wires and short circuits us into attentive mode making us take worthy note of the blue light guitar work amidst a pulsating, somewhat pecking chorus that comes first between orthodox versage. The whole concoction blends sweetly with old-school trimmings draped over the entire tuneful tree. 'General Cutter' is less insistent in construction and relies on a somewhat bounce and bop flow that chops into each chorus before adopting a simple but effective style. I'm liking the breathing room here between each component and the end lucidity makes for a gratifying listen. The execution is easily carried out and it is obvious that this crew are intent on catching butterflies of melody rather than moths of mayhem. 'Insane' adopts the typical pop routine with a solid tune replayed over a shortish distance with lyrics at a precise minimum. What Zooparty bring to the table is their own identity and some guitar inflection that reeks of when punk had a certain subtle power built on cute riffage and end production. Nowhere is this more than apparent than during the brief chorus - adorn yourself with a cloak of 77, cover with a scarf of modern day studio time and breath in the melody. These are minor marvels to just enjoy and not read too much into. It's music and darn nice music at that - quintessentially basic but mightily attractive and without any excess baggage - I suggest you take a piece and chew long and hard. 'The Nevers' begins with a riff many will say they have heard before (you know the kind of noise) before the ZP zone of tone is cruised into and we are once again just persuaded to dip into the rhythmic river and have a jolly old swim. Once again 'annoying simple' is a phrase that springs to mind but I am more than ready to realise there is an artistry in producing this king of punk puke and can only advise the band to retch on. It may be an easy expulsion but very colourful nonetheless and not a style anyone can take to. Fungal's liking it, and that, my pop punking perverts, will do for me. I love the gush that welcomes us at the start of 'Neat Freak'. The change in intensity is cut-throat but still retains that intrinsically basic composition technique that true punkers should really appreciate. I could be awkward here and assume the identity of a self proclaimed musical critique and say 'oooh missus what a short burst of nasty discordance - surely any fool with a guitar could write that'. Yeah you know the twats - too many to mention. Anyway if I did view this through those pebble-dashed peepers I would truly be a cretin not worthy to write this or any other review for that matter. Look readers - the fact is this is good stuff and if you can't get off to this then just forget it. This 1 minute 31 second thrust is deliberate and aching with zeal - turn it up, turn it up. 'Intro' is just an industrialised mini-statement that leads us into the very capable 'We Have The Right To Know What's Wrong'. A mean emotion comes at us here with a first verse depth different to all that has gone before. This questioning piece pokes and prods at religion and life in general and comes out seemingly bewildered with a sense of things unanswered. We can all relate to this and we all enjoy it too as the chorus goes into the usual light, heady mode oh so familiar at this stage. A nice rock 'n' roll clichéd ending rounds things off nicely. The best song of the lot (perhaps) comes next with 'Raised On Boredom' one to please the crowd and to get a unifying sing-a-long party in full fuckin' swing. The guitar punctuations between each chorus line are sanguine and somewhat triumphant - 'its like are you ready for this or what?' A pleasant instrumental snippet comes in briefly and cements both sides of the song into one glowing rock - easy ain't it? Amazingly the tracks on here that hint at anything Damned-ish are the next two that don't suggest Brian James has had any tinkerings with and are entitled 'Criminals Police The Criminals' and 'Laying Low Is Not What We Do'. I say Damned-ish but it is only the opening bursts that hint at such influence with the former glancing tones of a certain 'Neat' song and the latter having opening vocals sounding similar to early Vanian efforts. Maybe it's me but those are definite aural sensations that are apparent but should in no way deflect from what Zooparty offer our way. The crash, bang, wallop commencement of the first of this duo is held in check by a restrained mode of verse that slips into an opposing chorus that works a fuckin' treat. Almost quirky in essence but very punk rock so thumbs are raised upwards with assuredness. The second track is less hustle and bustle and has a certain melodic Joie de vivre that is prevalent throughout most of this CD to be honest. I reckon the nail is hit on the head there and the combination of this, meaty tuneage and some choice orchestration makes this a first class pop punk trip. The closure is 'Die' (quite apt hey) but this CD in no way snuffs it and seems to be living life to the full right up to the final curtain. The lyrics are detracted statements that sum up the vagueness of life and the zest we all have hidden within our tortured yet optimistic souls. A harsh realisation is overcome with belief and hearty ebullience and the winning post is past to a round of applauding punkers. Well there you have it -- a Swedish sing-a-long with no nudity and only one reference to Abba (OK make that two). At first I was really unsure of this but again it goes to show in music 'first impressions do not last'. This is an overseas delight you should chase down and indulge to. The effervescent nature of the CD and the quick pulse it has make for a good listen so go on - spend your 'Money, Money, Money 'and play this loud and e-mail the band a simply say 'Thank You For the Music' - (shite make that two now three and four)! |
| PUNK ROCK, HARDCORE & SKA MUSIC RESOURSE 'N' REVIEW |
| Yet another amazingly punk as fuck release by Sweden's Zooparty. Welcome "Re-Fuse" a listen that will send you from the ceiling to the floor and back up again in bippity boppity. Pure punk rock pleasures from the first track "Bring The Bored" about an obvious non-creative society to the third track "General Cutter" that deals with the seriousness of depression of the youth of today and the peer pressures of being accepted. Then onto the song "The Nevers" which is obviously about never conforming. This album is yet another classic punk record by the great punk elite Zooparty! Catchy and poppy this record is just a party in your pants. Pick it up, lots of spunky punk waiting to happen and definitley does not disappoint. Brian James from the Damned and Glen Matlock from the Sex Pistols also appear on this record...another reason to want to splurge and pick this one up for your collection. Best songs: "Bring The Bored", "General Cutter", "The Nevers", "Raised On Boredom" and "Laying Low Is Not What We Do". Worst song: "Neat Freak". For fans of the Ramones, Dropkick Murphys, Sex Pistols and the Exploited. |
| SKRUTT (SWEDEN) |
| Another time so have they got Brian James and Glen Matlock into their record. I maybe wrong but I think I can hear Matlock's guitar and Zooparty have a Pistols-similar sound in some of the songs and that I appreciate as an old punkman I am. Because the opposite of what many people think so do I think that Pistols are among one of the world's best punk bands. That have Zooparty taking care of together with a lot of other influences from early punk and I think they have a little bit of own sound in this anyway. Listen only to General Cutter so do you understand what I mean...that here is it energy as many other bands missing and music knowledge also and a lot of fucking good punk songs and for you who want to hear music in the same style as Stiff Little Fingers, Pistols, etc. |
| 3RD GENERATION NATION (GERMANY) |
| Ich frage mich wirklich allen Ernstes, warum diese Band in Europa nicht schon laengst richtig Fuss gefasst hat! Meine ganz persoenliche „Last Minute“-Entdeckung von 2009 auf „MySpace“, wuerde ich mal so formulieren wollen. Abseits vom ganzen aktuellen Punker-Hype durchschnittlicher Beschiss-Combos wurde ihr zweites Album „Re-Fuse“ von mir zur „Platte des Monates“ gekuert. Eigentlich wollte ich mit dem US-Label „Acme Records“ selbst in Kontakt treten, um vor Ort ihnen das erste Album fuer eine weitere Review abzuschwatzen. Aber Gitarrist/Saenger Erik Pettersson kam diesem Vorhaben zuvor und machte mir das verlockende Angebot, mir auch das erste Album direkt zu zuschicken. Da konnte und durfte der RealShock nicht nein sagen! Und schon nach wenigen Tagen lag die CD im Briefkasten. Auch auf ihrer Debuet full-length gab es die gemeinsame Studio-Arbeit mit Brian James (the Damned) und Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols). Die beiden Gitarristen sind auf „Smile“ zuhoeren und Brian steuerte zusaetzlich noch auf dem letzten Track der CD seinen ganz speziellen Sound bei. Einige Unterschiede gibt es hier schon zum Nachfolger „Re-Fuse“. „You Are Here“ ist so was wie ein viel versprechender Vorbote, ein optimaler Aufwaermer eben, der noch etwas in der Entwicklung steckte und nach dem richtigen Sound suchte. Hier geht das Trio mitunter ziemlich trashig zu Werke, was aber auch an den unterschiedlichen Studio-Sessions liegen kann. Zwischen Januar 2006 und April 2007 wurden die insgesamt 12 Tracks mit einer Gesamtspielzeit von einer knappen halben Stunde in drei verschiedenen Studios aufgenommen. Dabei schiesst „Give It Up“ den Vogel ab und koennte man als perfekten Uebergang zu „Re-Fuse“ sehen. Auch das anschliessende „This Time Around“ ist vom selben Typ. Diese zwei Tracks sind der pure Professionals/Neurotic Outsiders beeinflusste pUnK rOcK und sind mit meilenweitem Vorsprung die Highlights dieser Scheibe!!! |
| UDDEVALLAKASSETTEN (SWEDEN) |
| Zooparty har med sin nya platta Re-fuse tagit klivit upp som ett av Sveriges aboslut bästa punkband. Det finns egentligen inte ett enda svagt spår på skivan. Skivan öppnas med den starka Bring the bored för att sedan med ett larm från -77.drivas på låt efter låt. Det är få förunnat att hålla en sådan hög och jämn standard en skiva rakt igenom. Nu finns det ju rutin i bandet, för att inte tala om gästartisterna. Det är inte vilka som helst som Zooparty nu för andra gången samarbetar med, Brian James från The Damned, Lords Of The New Church och Glen Matlock från Sex Pistols. Båda var låtskrivare till respektive band. Med sådana gäster i studion och i bandet är det kanske inte så konstigt att det låter som det låter. Hur det låter? Tja stoppa ner band som Buzzcocks, Pistols, Ramones, Damned och Erik, Hård-Per samt Bumba i en mixer så voila, Zooparty! Favoritspår "We have the right to know what´s wrong". |
Pressing history:
| FORMAT | PRESSING | DATE | QUANTITY | DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTIC |
| CD | 1 | October 2009 | 500 |