Cold Coming by Zip Tang

Sixth album from the hardy fellows hailing from Chicago who are currently a trio comprising Fred Faller (drums), newcomer Andrew Bunk (bass) and the writer/arranger/producer Perry Merritt (vocals, guitar, synthesizers), ably assisted by former members Marcus Padgett (saxophone) and Matt Gunsaulus who plays keyboards on a couple of songs. All five previous albums by the band have been recommended releases on DPRP, so expectations are high for this long-awaited new album.

The band's last album, Private Shangri-La, was some five years ago but the group pick-up proceedings as if it was just last year. Cold Coming is the most full-on prog release by the band, even extending to being a concept album telling the tale of the adopted child, Marie, who suffering abuse at the hands of her adoptive father, turns to drug abuse and a life on the streets. The cover of the album cleverly references parts of the tale within its general darkness, which is fitting given the dark subject matter.

One of the defining features of Zip Tang has always been the saxophone that is incorporated into the mix, and it is great to hear that despite Padgett no longer being a member of the band, his presence is heard on this latest release.

The opener, Another Time, is most resemblant of the band's signature sound, with the latest recruit Bunk laying down a heavy bass vibe with Padgett's sax interlocking with Merritt's guitar. As befits a concept album, there are a variety of styles to suit the lyrical subject matter. Sorry, an acoustic number, has a beginning and ending with the vocals manipulated to sound as if they are coming through an old radio. This contrasts with the more lush central section, which faintly resembles Echolyn; more in the singing than the music.

There is a much greater depth to the music on Cold Coming, with some gorgeously melodic slower songs, pitted against heavier rock pieces such as Under The Viaduct and Rains Fall. But even within these heavier pieces there is light and shade. Incidentally, it is these two songs that feature the keyboard work of Gunsaulus and so have a stronger affinity to previous albums than perhaps some of the other songs. Both are well constructed and contain some great electric guitar work from Merritt,

Of the slower songs, Moonwatcher and Stars Sing in particular beg to be heard, the latter song being a glorious piece of music that concludes the album perfectly,

A couple of more atmospheric and unconventional pieces are also included. The brief Surrender is a dark, haunting and faintly-evil number, while Transmigration, the first part of the title track, has an air of cinemascopic mystery, with previous melodies heard faintly in the background. Cold Coming as a whole piece perfectly transitions between the nightmarish introduction, through a more acoustic section, perfectly succinct guitar solo and harmonies of Mary Jane Lane and into the less tumultuous than one might expect closing of The Storm. The title track may be one of the best new prog songs I have heard all year.

Zip Tang had a very high standard to live up to and I am happy to say they have exceeded all expectations. A band that can consistently deliver the goods and maintain an exceptionally high quality throughout is worthy of more attention. If you are not familiar with the band, then do yourself a favor ...and grab a copy of Cold Coming. You won't be disappointed.
9 out of 10 STARS!

Mark Hughes - Dutch Progressive Rock Page

Eclectic Progressive Rock from Chicago, USA

Fred Faller - drums
Andrew Bunk - bass
Perry Merritt - vocals, guitar, synthesizers

Former Members:
Marcus Padgett - sax, vocals, keys, synths
Rick Wolfe - bass, vocals

ziptang.net
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