Attention all you teachers, parents and environmental
warriors out there, you really have to check out the zany Celtic duo Zucchini
Clan at your earliest opportunity. Currently one of the most exciting kids
bands around, they literally look and sound like they are from another planet.
Their music is gentle and melodic and yet still packs a punch. They deliver
compelling messages, but with a lightness of touch that is both imaginative and
great fun. Their debut album Wildlife
is superb, containing ten memorable songs, with instantly hummable memories,
potent lyrics and skilful musicianship. There is a real revolution going on
here, that begins and ends with The Zucchini Clan. Miss them at your peril,
because they are seriously seeking out new directions, and boldly going where
no band has gone before.
The opening song “Seasons” is sparse and hypnotic, and proceeds
like a bizarre nursery rhyme, propelled by a powerful drumbeat. The sparsity of
the verse creates the necessary space to launch a truly explosive chorus, which
expands the melody very effectively. The lyrics explore how ‘seasons wait for
no one, transporting us on an environmental journey, combining infectious
melody with crystal clear vocals. The song initially celebrates the arrival of
spring, and all the wonders that lie in store as ‘the sun wakes up from its winter sleep’. The lyrics also encourage healthy eating
reminding the listener that junk food ‘makes you sick’, as we further embark on
this musical journey where we are encouraged to ‘plant trees’ and go organic.
“Little Black Fly” is quite psychedelic and reminded me a
little of Syd Barrett at his best. Once again there is a simple rhythm pattern,
creating the space for the gradual introduction of instruments as the song
progresses. The song has a great tune, and finishes with a rip-roaring guitar solo,
which really takes the listener by surprise. You should also check out the
video, which is equally memorable. Up
next the title track “Wildlife”, which is funkier, atmospheric and again flirts
with a psychedelic feel, although this time with more of a nineties Brit Pop
vibe. The electric guitar outburst could have been credited to Jimi Hendrix,
although the main strength of the song is the way that it describes a selection
of Australian animals to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Australian
wildlife.
“Tooth Faery, is slower in tempo, and with a bit of a
stretch could almost be described as ‘easy listening’. Here a female voice recaptures
the nursery rhyme style featured earlier. Young children often struggle with
the painful reality of wobbly teeth, and would no doubt be able to relate to
this song. The lyrics focus on the problems children with loose teeth may
experience, particularly during lunch break, and the sudden realisation that
they ‘can’t eat an apple yet’. The tooth
fairy makes a cameo appearance, with lyrics that celebrate how the child has
managed to ‘get coins from the tooth fairy.’ The drum pattern is imaginative, and the array
of musicality on display throughout the song gives it an extra sparkle. The reciprocal vocal at the end is also very
effective taking the song out with shades of both blues and jazz competing for
space.
“Happy Puppy” harnesses a somewhat layered orchestral vocal
style in true sixties fashion, with shades of the Byrds or even Jefferson
Airplane on display. The song is quite anthemic and features lyrics, which
elaborate on a host of animals and their daily antics. The song also features a
variety of instruments including what sounds like an accordion, effectively
underpinned by a dynamic rhythm section. Some of the lyrics are rather
eccentric, as we are informed that a ‘goose got loose on the fermenting juice.’ The somewhat melancholy backing vocals add
an additional richness of texture to the track, which is hauntingly melodic and
highly experimental.
Surely there can’t be another song in the world with the
title “Crumbs From The Kitchen Floor”, and if there is I want to know about it.
Here, what sound like a banjo, and a
variety of percussion instruments soon make way for a Celtic style vocal chant
demanding ‘give me more more more crumbs from the kitchen floor.’ This is
another highly melodic track, but with a more evocative style of delivery, and
a musical depth that reminded me a little of Steeleye Span.
“Black Fella/White Fella”
has a tougher more uncompromising feel, and is a song, which unsurprisingly
celebrates difference, emphasising the importance of being judged on individual
merit. The song is much more up-tempo, with a sound brimming with pop
sensibility. The song exudes total attitude with potent lyrics that hit the
point as accurately as the drummer hits the snare drum. This is a real call to arms climatically
building to the point where the lead vocals emphatically declare ‘stand up and
be counted.’
“Who are you?” is slower, and again reverts to the nursery
rhyme style featured on some of the earlier tracks. This time we have a quite
relaxed vocal delivery with a tonality reminiscent of Peter Gabriel. In addition, there is a somewhat refined
keyboard, enhanced by some rather sumptuous backing vocals. I’m sure the kids
would love this song, as it is both clever and imaginative, and at times the
music reminded me a little of the Pixies around their “Bossanova” era. Peter
Gabriel meets The Pixies, now there’s an interesting combination!
“Log Trux” is a song that effectively berates deforestation,
counting the carnage as a number of trees are decimated. The song is quite
intense, and explores the full extent to which this destruction goes on ‘all
day up and down the road.’ The vocal
harmony is morbidly effective, with the band aversely joining in as they count
the logs with dismay. This song packs a punch is hard hitting and delivers a
stern message that we simply must ‘save the forest and let it grow’ The middle
eight takes the pace down a notch as we are given time to reflect on how long
these trees have actually been around. The musical diversion is also
interesting, as is the electric guitar, which complements the vocal delivery. Here,
the song flirts with the blues, drifting at times almost into Doors territory,
or perhaps even Pink Floyd during their Animals
phase.
“Spirit Princess” begins with a gentle piano and a lightness
of touch, creating the space for the beautiful serenity of the lead vocal. What
sounds like a mandolin resonates in the background, providing the perfect feel
for the beauty and serenity of this Celtic lullaby to really shine. The haunting majesty of the track is a great
way to finish an album, leaving the listener in a kind of dream like state,
contemplating life as the melody glides away.
This album has it all, wonderful musicianship, beautiful
vocals, and songs which bridge the gap between musical depth and instant
accessibility. The bands lyrical strength enables them to stand up as poets in
their own right, through telling stories, which pan out like miniature folk
tales. Whether it is through their
unique image or the originality of the music, you will never have seen or heard
anything quite like this before. Perhaps their greatest appeal is they have
created a new music; mixing psychedelic pop with nursery rhymes to deliver a
potent message that is accessible to both adults and children. I have heard that there's a new album
in the pipeline, and if there is I look forward to hearing it.
Zucchini Clan – New Music for a new generation.
