From the beginning, ZOX has managed to build cohesion out of contrast. Look
no further than the band’s twin frontmen: one is a tattoo-covered
conservatory violinist with a history of trashing dressing rooms at Carnegie
Hall, and the other a buttoned-down Type-A who turned down an offer from
Stanford Law School to keep up the band. ZOX’s eclecticism has endeared them
to their cultish following, but they have remained largely on the fringe of
mainstream media. Instead, the band has thrived in the chaotic wilderness of
the internet underground, developing the rare skill of writing meaningful,
memorable pop songs that are genuinely interesting to listen to. Over the
last four years, ZOX has sold thirty-five thousand albums, performed at the
legendary Reading & Leeds festivals in the UK, and logged nearly 1,000 shows
with everyone from the Warped Tour to Rusted Root. They’ve developed an
unusual sound, which features an electric violin run into a guitar amp,
earnest, vivid lyrics threaded through unadorned melodies, and a rhythm
section that seems to swing effortlessly between making you dance and making
you think. And with the release of "Line in the Sand", their third album and
first on LA’s SideOneDummyRecords (Gogol Bordello, Mighty Mighty Bosstones,
Flogging Molly), ZOX demonstrates that contrast is, in the end, what makes
things stand out.
Produced by John Goodmanson (Death Cab for Cutie, Sleater-Kinney, Harvey
Danger) the 11 songs on "Line in the Sand" are equal parts 80s college
radio, modern indie rock, and timeless folk. The band’s legendary live show
has long been a dynamic mix of playful mayhem and emotional contemplation;
this album is the first to capture both extremes. The triumphant title
track, the despondent-but-uplifting “Goodnight”, and the gorgeous “Seventh
Avenue Prophet” have a catchiness, a lyrical poise and an instrumental
intricacy that make them resonate, listen after listen.
Excellent performance at Lupos last night, you never disappoint :)
Hope everything's ok with John, we were surprised not to see him behind the drums! However, his stand in (sorry, forgot the name!) was wonderful nonetheless, so much thanks to all for a great show...and congrats to your engaged Springsteen-singing friend as well!
Great seeing you guys tonight! Thanks Eli for almost making me fall off the bench when you pointed at me during Can't Look Down. You guys are amazing, hope to see you guys again soon!
Loved it! I had such a blast at your show tonight... Left there at about 1:15 and just got home at 4am... If I fall asleep now I can still get 4 and a half hours of sleep before work tomorrow... That's dedication!!! You guys are wonderful!! Come play Princeton, NJ now :-)
Awesome to meet you guys last night, AMAZING show (oh my God, Walking on the Moon!?!), thanks for such an incredible performance! Rock on, good sirs. :) -Katelyn
Amazing show tonight guys, I drove down from Maine and it was definitely worth the drive! All your hard work and effort showed, thank you for the wonderful concert!
you were amazing at Lupo's saturday night. i was right in front the entire time, getting squished and covered in other people's sweat-but it was worth it. i can't wait to see you play again.
