Zebra & Giraffe - Collected Memories Review

“Zebra & Giraffe are paving their own road, picking selectively from trends as they pass, and under the guidance of gifted songwriter, Greg Carlin, Z&G’s masterpiece is just around the bend.” - 4/5

Artist: Zebra and Giraffe
Album: Collected Memories
Genre: Electronica/Pop/Rock
Format: Cd (10 Tracks)
Label: Just Music
Reviewer: Scott Murcott
Rating:
For fans of: Bloc Party, Joy Division, Muse, Petshop Boys, The Killers, The Cure

Innovative and ambitious.

Two words, which for me best describe Greg Carlin’s debut effort under the moniker Zebra & Giraffe, where swirling electronics, thrashy pop guitars and Carlin’s smooth falsetto- tinged vocals meld into the refreshingly original album, Collected Memories.

The instruments, barring Matthew Marinus’s solid drumming, were all performed by Carlin who also penned the tracks himself, so it comes as no surprise that the overall impression left is that the album was a sort of right-of-passage for him. Producer Darryl Torr of Harris Tweed takes the guiding role, and the two talented musicians have created ten-tracks that ebb and flow perfectly between each other, creating a wide and rich soundscape in which to revel.

Bittersweet nostalgia, lost love and life’s learning curve seem to be some of the themes touched upon by the lyrics, which to the music’s betterment, reside inbetween the literal and poetic, allowing the listeners own mindset to inform how each track affects them.

The lyrics however, would be nothing without Carlin’s strong resonant delivery, which he does so with sincerity and confidence, showcased by standout tracks Arm Yourself and Hideaway. When their respective choruses kick in, the bar is most definitely raised; production, vocals, instruments all lock together and deliver two of the biggest and catchiest choruses to have come out of South Africa. Top tier stuff this is.

The album does have some small problems though; I feel almost nitpicky for putting them to paper. Carlin’s vocals tend to get lost behind the sometimes overbearing electronics and production, and I found myself feeling strangely detached at times; as illustrated by Running Faster and its stilted chorus, part of the only track I would call a filler. And whether intentional or not, similarities can be found to late 70’s post-punk band, Joy Division.

As I said, minor objections that barely affect the excitement afforded by the sharp song-writing, heaped, inventive electronics and anthemic choruses. The blood and sweat that went into Collected Memories is clearly evident, and should in time become a benchmark for other South African bands with regards to production, song-writing and marketing.

Overall, a great album, something South African music fans can rally behind and call their own. Zebra & Giraffe are paving their own road, picking selectively from trends as they pass, and under the guidance of gifted songwriter, Greg Carlin, Z&G’s masterpiece is just around the bend.

The Standouts

The Knife: First single, first track, it sets the albums tone perfectly with its infectious intro followed by up-tempo drums and powerful guitars. Great chorus and the hypnotic chants in the bridge are awesome. At the time of writing it was No.1 for the second week running on 5fm’s Hi 5@5.

Arm Yourself: The calm intro and verse belie the amazing chorus that follows. A highpoint of the album for me.

Oxymoron: Beginning with guitars you would find on a Muse album, the verse beat facilitates head bopping and the vocals take on a welcome aggressive stance. Props go out to the eccentric melody in the bridge. Enhanced vocals or programming, I’m not sure, but I bloody loved it!

Pariah: The album has a fun side and Pariah is the result. Falsetto vocals are brought to the front, followed by another wildly original programmed melody that is just really, for lack of a better term, amping.

A Long Way Down: Playing out like a tightly scripted film, the penultimate track is a haunting tale of redemption and from what I gleaned; love. The ballad is given emotional weight by Cherilyn MacNeil’s (Harris Tweed) featured vocals.

Hideaway: Another huge chorus and the perfect way to end off the album.

The Modern Take: 4/5

Track List

1. The Knife
2. Black Crow
3. Arm Yourself
4. Running Faster
5. Fight Fight Fight
6. Leaving Again
7. Oxymoron
8. Pariahs
9. A Long Way Down
10. Hideaway

Watch the video for “The Knife”

Related Links

Buy Collected Memories from Kalahari.net
Download Collected Memories from Rhythm Online
Zebra and Giraffe’s Official Website
Zebra and Giraffe’s Blog

Buy Zebra & Giraffe - Collected Memories from Kalahari.net

Brief Description: Greg Carlin’s debut effort under the moniker Zebra & Giraffe. Collected Memories includes hit singles ‘The Knife’ and ‘Arm Yourself’.

Buy Now