In 2012 I ran into this band via I love You Records. Saturnine was their very first record and I absolutely loved it. Zebra Island, was back then one of the newest Estonian bands. The first thing that comes to my head is in the mix feeling: Hooverphonic versus SX and that is really it. Back then I gave them a 9/10. Thanks to Sybil Vane (they were back then label mates) I got a little pinch about the new release (and basically their comeback), so here we go:
The Call is the opening track and sounds fresh and poppy with a good vibe and an international sound (with a bit of a 80’s Wave touch). The vocals are really lovely.
Always Now or Never keeps us in the 80’s sound, with a cold pop wave touch, but also some slices of Italo disco pop.
Forever Far sounds sweet, has cool synth sound and a dreamy pop touch with a cool guitar sound.
Whispers Me has a modern sound, almost like ideal for posh parties of art minded events. The electronical part is very immersive.
Stay is not a David Bowie cover, has something sensual. I like the poppy touch and the rhythm.
Saviour gives us a modern sound, a lot of electronics, a bit of deep house, good vocals and a nice tempo
Fool's Gold has nothing to do with The Stone Roses big hit. You get a bit of disco, some electronics and a mid-tempo. I adore the sax minded passages in the song. The tempo goes up every now and then and will keep you dancing.
All I Ever Need is a slow dream pop minded track, with some electronics and nice vocals. I feel it has some hit potential. It’s for sure radio material.
Choices has a positive vibe, a good tempo, sounds fresh and powerful, the fade out could have been cut out to make it sound more powerful and thus end with a sonic blast.
Solar is already the last song. Keeps going into the fresh and strong side of the band. Modern sounds, lovely vocals and a mix of dream pop and disco. A good one to end with.
Well, the sound is different from their debut album, kind of logical too. I hear the modern times in it, with some retro slices and good vocals. It all sounds fresh and energetic, with an arty touch. It’s for sure worth discovering!
A funny side note about the record label (Belgian electro underground folks will understand what I mean with it):
Seksound is a small record label from Estonia, started in 2004 by members of Estonian dream pop band Pia Fraus (euh, hello Belgium). The label has released records by Estonian indie artists Ans. Andur, Bad Apples, Dreamphish, Honey Power, Imandra Lake, Jan Helsing, Mirabilia, Kago, lack of Eoins, Marten Kuningas, Pia Fraus, Popidiot, Shelton San, Wolfredt and compilations of best Estonian independent music.
Zebra Island is: Rasmus Lill is the composer, producer, keyboards, Ivar Mägi on guitars and Helina Risti on vocals.
If it happens you are in Estonia at this date, for sure don't mis the gig:
Zebra Islandi albumi “Club Ghost” esitluspidu | Facebook
▶︎ CLUB GHOST | ZEBRA ISLAND | Seksound Record Label
