Alex Von Z Implicate Order EP / Life’s Addiction EP Review by Gary Hill
This set features two EPs from Alex Von Z released on one disc. You can definitely tell the difference between the two sets. The first one has a lot of punk and psychedelic rock in the mix. The second set, though, features more metal. It’s a lot stronger material. Alex Von Z has a kickstarter campaign going for his next release and based on this set (especially the second half), I’m looking forward to see what he does.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
Drawn (Radio Edit)
There’s a cool retro element to this that feels a bit like old school Americana mixed with psychedelia. The chorus definitely draws on that psychedelic element. It’s a pretty tasty number. I really like the guitar soloing late in the piece.
What It Should Be The arrangement here is set more thoroughly in that psychedelic sound. There are some more modern elements at play on the chorus, though. Again, the guitar soloing is tasty and melodic.
Chocolate Covered Karma
Now, here we get a real rocker. There is some punk rock in the mix, but also some AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. Honestly, I’d have to say that more than anything else (if you take the vocals out) this makes me think of Sweet quite a bit. I can make out some minor links to the Sex Pistols on this, but also some more psychedelia.
Drawn (Full Version)
Here we get the full length rendition of the opening tune. I’m not sure that I like one version over the other.
Life's Addiction Metal and punk are combined on this hard rocker. It’s got some space rock in the mix, too. It’s the most powered up and furious tune of the set and it’s also quite cool. It might be my favorite song on this disc. The song itself is more complex and involved than anything else here, too.
Rise and Fall
Here we get another metallic piece. This is a bit thrashier. It’s also darker. The guitar soloing is more technical. It’s another highlight of the set. In some ways this makes me think of a heavier, darker version of early Rainbow. There are some rather symphonic textures later, too. The mellower, slow moving outro is a nice touch.
What About Me
We’re back into the punk meets metal concept here. This makes me think of the Pistols mixed with modern Alice Cooper. Of course, that’s if you throw some technical metal into the mix.
