Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Breath of Fresh, Rockin' Air, September 5, 2007
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.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still at the top, September 15, 2007
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!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What was that?, December 28, 2007
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).
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