Zozobra is a tantalizing idea for a band. They are a two-piece outfit that is comprised of Cave In member Caleb Scofield and a member of the criminally unnoticed Forensics, Santos Montano - both members also do time in Old Man Gloom. The question then becomes, knowing how else the members otherwise occupy their time, what will this band sound like? At least, this is what pops into my head as I initially play Harmonic Tremors on my stereo. The first time through the album is a shock (considering that my comparison is or should be Old Man Gloom). The second time, I am able to digest it better.
Harmonic Tremors jumps right out of the speakers with "The Blessing." This song sounds very much like half of a Cave In song. The bass sound is there as is the bellowed vocals of later Cave In. By leaving it at that though, the song is done a severe disservice and also proves that you are not listening close enough. There are strangely harmonized vocals. There is a sparse guitar that more likely compliments the furious rhythm and bass parts that propel the song along its way. The ambient sound pieces that take up space really give the song startling breadth and color while the drums continue to pound away.
"Kill and Crush" stands in stark contrast to the more intricate arrangement of "The Blessing." It is a noisy and punishing affair with heavy accents on the downbeats. The drum pattern has a nice feel and really fits the song. "Levitator" is another change of pace with booming drums and almost eerie vocals for most of the track. The simple guitar lead carries a nice melody that actually overshadows the bass. I love-LOVE the way that "Soon to Follow" degrades abruptly into a noisy crunch only to return right back where the song was prior to the bizarre interruption. It sounds very much like a Cave In song otherwise, save for the underlying keyboard part.
The droning melancholy of "Silver Ghost" gives Harmonic Tremors another dimension of complexity. I almost wish there were no vocals to muddy the drowsy feel that that the song projects. "Invisible Wolves" is a return to the more structured and intense bass driven songs with which Zozobra begins the album. "Peripheral Lows" contains a more experimental approach that makes it a kindred spirit to "Silver Ghost". It is very mechanical sounding and reminds me of something that Old Man Gloom might produce. "The Vast Expanse" is strange, but it features some excellent drumming by Santos. The album closes with the more subtle "A Distant Star Fades". The quiet melody is buried beneath a reserved current of feedback. Otherwise, the song is another that the Cave In influence shows. The vocal melody is also one of the stronger on the record. The song eventually explodes to give Harmonic Tremors a strong ending.
Zozobra caught me completely off guard with Harmonic Tremors. I expected a cross between the noisy, dense sound of Old Man Gloom and the sweeping, powerful melodies of Cave In. Well, that cross section exists, just not in the way I thought it would. Instead, the varied attack of Old Man Gloom is combined with the sweeter side of Cave In. The biggest surprise of the album is the strength of the material and its ability to show elements of the members' other work while retaining a level of uniqueness. It is a perplexing record in that way. In any case, I enjoy it thoroughly.
