Zykos

Zykos | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 12, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Post-Parlo
• ASIN: B0002Y4SH0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #501,983 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Mrs.

2. Calliope

3. Handstand

4. George Eliot

5. Disappearing Act

6. Island of Bones

7. Trick Candles

8. Dark Tan

9. Already Came Back

10. Understanding Fire

11. Save Up

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

The band, who live together in an Austin, TX house, take musical cues ranging from classical arrangements (pianist Catherine Davis is a classically trained piano teacher) to the pseudo-arena rock of the Afghan Whigs and beyond. But any resemblance to other bands of their ilk is torn away with Booher’s distinctively raw vocals and the prodding, organic bass lines of the other Mike in the group, Mike Roeder. Much to journalists’ dismay, there are two Mike’s and two Jerod’s in the five piece.

Product Description

It’s been 18 months since the release of Zykos’ debut Comedy Horn was named one of the best albums of 2003 by the Austin Chronicle. In addition to touring with a diverse group of bands (from Explosions in the Sky to Cursive to TV on the Radio to Okkervil River), chief songwriter Michael Booher holed up in a variety of Texas locales crafting the skeleton of the album that has become their self-titled sophmore release.

The "wall of sound" arrangements of Comedy Horn have been augmented by brighter synth and keys touches on top of even bigger hooks. Their dynamic sound effort finds more calm amidst the chaos, and manages to be more cohesive without sacrificing any of Zykos’ trademark intensity.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another good Austin, Texas indie rock band..., January 14, 2005

By 

Kevin Satterwhite (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Zykos (Audio CD)

When I think about it, I really don't know how I found out about Zykos. It wasn't from any show, or internet review, I just sort of fell onto them. I do remember after downloading their album, seeing their "Kodiak" video on their website. However I found out about them, with this release I am very pleased.

Their debut album, "Comedy Horn," was good, but you would never find it on much rotation with me. I barely listened to it at all to be honest. I've had their new, self titled album for a week now and have already listened to it more than their first.

These guys have a sound I really can't compare to anyone else off the top of my head right now. Maybe a little comparison to their Austin, Tx peers Spoon. But Zykos has a slighter 80s homage sound to them, nothing too apparent though. The singer has a unique voice in my opinion, and is always recorded raw. They never feel the need to layer the vocals or provide backup and it works perfect. They often use a lot of various instruments, such as organs, horns, pianos, keyboards and xylophones.

Overall this album is extremely good, filled with memorable moments and longevity. Stand outs for me are "Mrs.", "Calliope", "Above The Map", "Disappearing Act", "Already Came Back", "Dark Tan" and "Handstand", but there are still a bunch of other really good songs as well. Do yourself a favor and buy this album, it should not disappoint.

EDITED: I realize after writing this that the amazon.com tracklist is missing a song, "Above The Map", track 2, and one of the better songs from the album.