ZAMZA (US)

Bio:

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When two of the best J-rock groups, Echoes and Judy & Mary split up, they reformed in 2007 as a super-group. Originally known as Zamza N’Banshee, the band opted to shorten their name to ZAMZA and further resemble Gregor Samsa, a main-character of Franz Kafka’s novel The Metamorphosis. The band’s line-up is a talented combo of four individuals who are highly accomplished musicians. Bassist Banshee Aliouxce (Yoshihito Onda), Drummer KOHTA (Kohta Igarashi), Guitarist HIROKI (Hiroki Ito), and Vocalist ZINC (Jinsei Tsuji) united to produce a distinctive rock sound. ZAMZA’s inventive musical style is described as a blend of energetic Alternative rock, memorable guitar hooks, and high octane lyrics.

Their first album, Manga, was released in May 2009 and in the same year they made their U.S. debut with their follow-up album. Manga Rock was released to the US market in November 2009 via Mar Rock Records under its parent label Mar Creation Records. This back-to-back release successfully gained the band global recognition and required ZAMZA to embark on a world tour. Covering a wide array of countries, ZAMZA became a highly coveted live performance band in Japan, Korea, Germany, US, and France. On May 19, 2010 ZAMZA’s new album, Tsukizoku was released in Japan, launching another series of worldwide performances.

Currently ZAMZA will be featured at the CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival, one of the world’s most important platforms for the discovery of new music and cutting-edge media. The 30th installment of this expo will be hosted in New York City from October 19-23, 2010. ZAMZA was invited to participate and represent Japan in its showcase which also gathers entertainers from over 30 countries. CMJ Music Marathon is famous for identifying artists such as U2, Black Eyed Peas, Muse, White Stripes, The Killers, Lady Gaga, and thousands more.

Stay tuned for more details and updates on ZAMZA.


Zamza may be a new rock band, but the four musicians are industry veterans whose collaboration results in the exciting new release entitled "Manga Rock". This combination of vitality and experience infuses "Manga Rock" with the right degree of edginess and maturity to produce rock music delicious enough to leave you wanting more.

The opening track drives hard, with skillful use of keyboards to set off the grinding guitar and bass. Other songs are softer, but hold your attention with catchy hooks that stick in your mind and suddenly make a reappearance hours or days after listening. The title song closes the album with references to the fictional character Gregor Samsa in Franz Kafka's short story "The Metamorphosis", and embarks on a trancelike course at times augmented by a catchy bubbling bass line. Following the 9 album tracks are additional remixes of 4 of the earlier songs.

Vocalist, Zinc White, displays a wide range, reaching some incredibly high notes in some songs while dropping to a normal range elsewhere, giving the compositions added variety. If you prefer lyrics that touch on their meaning without hitting you over the head with it, you ought to appreciate this album. Production quality is top notch, with each band member crisply defined in punchy, but well-balanced sound. Overall, a very entertaining and memorable album. (Reviewed by Anton de Flon)

Members:

Banshee Aliouxce (b)
KOHTA (dr)
HIROKI (g)
ZINC (vo)