Customer Reviews

Ain't It Beautiful

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've been paying attention to these guys since their earliest gigs, fresh out of New York.

This is just a great, great three-piece band that really merges the classic sounds of hard rock's heyday with a bit of the grit of modern rock. During one of the club gigs I saw them play, singer/guitarist Paulie Z literally leaped across the tables to get the crowd fired up, which certainly surprised a lot of people. The music leaps out and demands attention in almost the same way, coming at you in the tradition of Led Zep (whose band is paid a sly tribute in ZO2's "Get the Led Out"), Aerosmith, and even the dual lead vocal stylings of KISS. Traces of modern influences such as STP, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and Audioslave also creep into the music.

That should give you some indication of which direction the songs will take you in. It's not very typical these days, but an interesting hybrid, nonetheless. Both the band and the material are tight. The Brothers Z (Paulie and David) handle vocals, guitars and bass, respectively, and really hammer these riffs away, while drummer Joey Cassata holds down a firm groove all throughout. My personal picks playing on repeat are currently the high-energy "If You See Kay," the slow, harmony-laden "She Believes," and the breezy title track, but it all flows well from start to finish. This is ZO2's second album, which really adds a couple more layers beyond their equally well-crafted debut, "Tuesdays & Thursdays."

All in all, in an age when rock and roll seems to be calling it quits or switching its sound out of embarrassment, it's really cool to see a song-driven band stepping up to the plate and flying the flag. Definitely worth a listen.

After 1000s of CDs, 100s of live CDs and DVDs, and 100s of concerts, among my all-time favorite artists in music, ZO2 still ranks up near the top of the heap. Both this album and their debut, Tuesdays & Thursdays, are perennial repeats in both the car and home stereos. One of the only 2 artists I like/believe in so much, I've purchased multiple albums as gifts/just to get people who like good hard rock of either the old days of Zepplin and Aerosmith or the newer sounds of STP. No one I've ever given a CD to or taken to a concert has walked away disappointed. I've heard a myriad of compliments, such as "'If You See Kay' is the best Aerosmith song Aerosmith never wrote." or "That's the highest-energy/truest-to CD sounding show I've ever seen." and the like.

This band has the talent, both in the studio and on the road. And those of us that have known them or discovered them feel like we're in on the greatest secret in the music business. Get in on it now before EVERYONE is trying to say they knew them when. Pick up this album and find a way to get your hands on Tuesdays & Thursdays as well. They'll be staples of your collection (and won't be the CDs that just sit on the shelf; they'll be constantly in one player or another).

No need for thanks, either. It's my civic duty, nay, my duty as a good human being, to help inform people about things which will make their lives better. ZO2, their CDs, and their live shows will do just that!

Those were the words that came out of my mouth after seeing these guys in Maryland. That was one of the most energy-filled shows I have ever seen in my life, and I've seen plenty of them now that I'm almost 40 years old (I actually remember waiving my hands down, screaming "we're not worthy"). Not only do these guys put on a show, but they are extremely talented. They put a lot of pure hard rock sound out for three guys (by the way, the bassist played for Trans-Siberian Orchestra for quite a long time - no BS'ing). Both of their CD's are top notch, and very well produced. The great production goes right onto stage with them. BAR-NONE - THE BEST NEW HARD ROCK BAND IN AMERICA (Talent and Song-writing). I know that one day these guys will be big, and I'll be able to look back and say "I saw these guys numerous times when they first started out". Straight ahead rock n roll without a gimmick. Just 3 down to earth guys (I've met them a few times) jamming with the best of them, and showing their fans that they are loving it. If America doesn't embrace them, Europe and Asia will, where hard rock is still very huge in this world. These guys are this good, and I have never heard anything negative from anyone who is aware of this band, or owns their CD's. Thank you Z02 from a big fan in Pennsylvania (Hint: Friend of owner of Double Dog Comm).

If you like old school rock like Zeppelin, Aerosmith mixed with some Grand Funk and newer sounds of Audio Slave and STP, then you will love ZO2. ZO2 blasted on the scene back in 2004 on tour with Kiss and Poison and have been a mainstay in the NYC rock circuit for years. Now, their sophmore album has been picked up by Riker Hill Records and has received national distribution. Some people say Rock is dead. If you listen to this cd, you will realize that ZO2 has resurrected what was/is great about rock and roll and it will knock your socks off.

When listening to ZO2's second CD Ain't It Beautiful, its hard to believe only three guys create such an awesome groove. And groove is what this band is all about. Paulie's vocals on Ain't It Beautiful alone are worth the price of this CD. What a powerful voice with an incredible range. Isolate and Everywhere are two other favorite tunes from this CD. Nicely done ZO2!

This is not a very well known band..yet. I first heard them on their very funny show on IFC, ZRock. This band could sound like anyone they want, (Paulie Z, the lead singer has a vocal range that rivals most rock vocalists I can think of, including Steven Tyler) but they keep their sound fresh, passionate and orginal. A rock band, that is just having a good time., while making the listener smile.

Buy this CD!

Great album. Sounds fresh and yet has a "70-ish" feel to it. Who says R&R was dead?

Check out their sitcom, "Z-Rock" on IFC. One of the best comedies I've seen on televison in some time. Doesn't overreach and paints a fairly accurate picture of a struggling band.

I just saw this band live at the Rockfest in London Kentucky this past weekend (August 9th). They were excellent. Good musicians, good songwriters, good performers, solid vocals, ... just overall very impressive. I immediately went home and ordered this CD from Amazon.com. I will be surprised if you don't start hearing this band's music on radios across the nation very soon. Straight ahead power trio rock n roll the way it ought to be played!

ZO2's 2nd album, Ain't It Beautiful, is a masterpiece!!! You can't go wrong with this CD...you'll fall in love with music all over again!!! If you ever get the chance, DO NOT miss their live shows...that is truely an experience you just can't explain and will never forget. They will leave you wanting more. Not to mention they truely appreciate their fans. Check these guyz out!!!

I have played this everyday at least twice since receiving it. It's so good I plan to buy their first when it becomes available. Each time I play this it gets better ...