ALBUM REVIEW: ZO2 - Begin Again

I got into ZO2 almost two decades ago through their albums ‘Thursdays & Fridays’ from 2004 and 2007’s ‘Ain’t it Beautiful’ – both are classics that I still play to this day. I must admit though, to missing 2009’s ‘Casino Logic’ until years later. So here we are in 2024 and after a lengthy absence they’re back… well sort of. It’s not back with a new song or even a new album, but back with a double album of 27 new songs that both tie up a few loose ends and also pay tribute to the late David Zablidowsky aka ‘David Z’ – ZO2’s bassist (and brother of singer/guitarist Paulie Z) who died back in a motor accident 2017 whilst on tour with Adrenaline Mob.

It has been 15 long years, (just as long as it took the Brothers Robinson to make a new record) butting listening to this you are transported right back. The album opens with a new one ‘Begin Again’ written and produced by Paulie Z and recorded by Paulie Z, original drummer Joey Cassata and new bassist Sean McNabb (Quiet Riot, Dokken, Great White and more). As a song it’s part Pop, part Rock and has a catchy refrain, great guitars and a really cool vibe. Like you’d expect it also sound like nothing written in 2023, taking you back to the 70’s or early 80’s.

Sadly I have no real insights into the other songs here as far as pedigree goes, some we are told are new, some however are ‘previously unreleased gems’ (that, the press release advises, provide a nostalgic glimpse into their musical journey) and there’s also a special live bonus track. In reality more than a few of these songs come from the bands previously released albums though that’s not exactly explained here. As such it’s a mixed bag, and whilst the length of the release after so long might mean there’s a necessary lack of focus there’s no pretense that this is a ‘cohesive ‘album’ it’s more a wonderful collection of what was left over and what might be around the corner.

ZO2 of course gained notoriety for being on the ‘Z Rock’ T.V. show but not having that ‘Downunder’ for me it was pure and simply the albums that drew me in. Here we get a really cool mix of Blues driven rockers and more modern fare. ‘Temptation’ is timeless with a dirty riff and clean vocals; ‘Living Now’ has more bounce and pace and a cool ‘alt’ feel. It’s all noticeably tied together by the trademark vocals. Now whilst I enjoyed the whole ride there are certainly a number of songs that say you might consider for a standard length album.

That tracklist might include the Soulful clean and sharp Soundgarden-like ‘Dirty Water’; it might also add that opener and the funky bass-led ‘Radio’ which is a real gem that just shows the real diverse soul of the band. The reality is that after opener ‘Begin Again’ the next five tracks hail from the debut record ‘Tuesdays and Thursdays’ and the next six from second album ‘Ain’t it Beautiful’.

Tracks like the stomping ‘Fly on Your Wings’ remind you of how adept the band always was at melding great grooves with pop sentiments and a grungy ethos. When you add the smoky heavy Blues via Soundgarden of tracks like ‘Isolate’ and this record becomes unmissable! Well it would if we hadn’t heard them before on that second record. The other tracks from ‘Ain’t it Beautiful’ are cool too with the Aerosmithy ‘If You See Kay’ leading the way, the title track a cool Bluesy Rocker, and ‘Comin’ Home’ adding a little more delicacy with a fine and breezy ballad that grows into a rocker not a million miles from a Dirty Honey vibe.

The final four tracks on disc one are all from ‘Casino Logic’ and are preceded by what I assume is a new track in ‘Everywhere’ which has a cool vibe and great riff and sounds like a watered down yet accessible take on what has preceded it. With just two new tracks Disc one is essentially a refresher for fans or a huge eye-opener for those new to the band.

Disc two is a little different in that I’m assuming it comprises the odds and end. The ‘Z Rock theme’ as most will be aware is short and sweet and sounds like something Cheap Trick would do. And whilst ‘A Million Pieces’ has a certain swagger, ‘I Will be Alright’ is a cool ballad and ‘Heart of Confusion’ adds an extended Bluesy swagger it’s all a lot ‘cleaner’ and it does all sound somewhat different.

That thought continues and intensifies with the quirky ‘revenge tale’ garage power pop of ‘That’s What’s Up’ or the Kiss cover ‘All Hell’s Breakin’ Loose’ (always hated that intro) or the pure pop of ‘Complicated’ and ‘One Love’ neither of which I’m a fan of. Both are too modern and too lightweight for my tastes I’m afraid, but I can see Imagine Dragons or Killers fans liking what they hear. Penultimate track ‘Live Today’ stays firmly in that modern Alt-Rock territory, some might love it but I find that self-absorbed dreary shoe-gazing music that neither knows whether it wants to Rock or curl up and go to bed so completely sapping. It’s hard to think it’s the same band as produced that wonderful music on the first disc.

We close with a live track that brings me back to my senses. Now whilst it’s odd to end a 27 track release with a single live track Zo2 proves they are one of the few bands I’d trust with a ZZ Top cover.

8.5 / 10

The press release for once is spot on: “Released on December 5th, Begin Again promises a sonic experience like never before. With an eclectic mix of styles that showcases the band’s versatility and musical prowess. Says ZO2. “This album represents a fresh start for us, and we can’t wait for our fans to join us as we ‘Begin Again’.” It’s a wonderful way to start a new adventure.

Purchase ZO2 Begin Again HERE

ZO2 Members: Paulie Z | Joey Cassata | Sean McNabb

DISC 1

DISC 2

ALBUM REVIEW: ZO2 – Begin Again

Released December 5th 2023 via Kivel Records