Dark Hallways is the latest album from Zo. Solo artist Gina Zo is back, and with her own band this time. They’re called Zo, and their sound is already defined for the listeners. The LP Dark Hallways consists of four songs with a runtime of half a minute short of twenty.
Themes
While vibrant with a strong rock overture, the songs have a dark theme. Most of this is constructed with the help of the musical setup. It builds in an ominous sort of way, and the lyrics share the same essence. Alongside the storytelling across the tracks is also a use of sinister background vocals. All the songs in Dark Hallways are longer than the popular three-to-four minute mark. This creates an engaging experience for the listeners. The instruments truly consume you to set up a complete sonic experience.
Dark Hallways LP – Tracklist
Never Meant opens the album on a very strong foot. The lyrics detail the journey of falling in love and realizing some things are never meant to be. Gina’s deep vocals on the chorus remind me of Miley Cyrus on Can’t Be Tamed, for there is the same wildness in her expression. The drum beats are engaging and provide a consistent rhythm. Towards the end, the electric guitar joins as well.
This gives way to the next song, Cry, which opens with an engaging guitar riff that is heavy on distortion. The lyrical delivery plays with the arrangement in a jazz-like way. The setup of the song allows the lyrics to take the stage during the verses. And yet the chorus makes use of the guitar riff in the forefront. The musical arrangement mimics the emotions of the track, reflecting a loud confusion where sometimes head – sometimes heart takes charge.
Then comes All the Things I Could Do, and this track contrasts the previous two right from the start. It possesses a sense of hopefulness from the opening riffs, and Gina’s vocals explore a dark and sensual expression. Yet, the lyrics certify that this album is no collection of sad songs. It is a reflection on how one finds their worth and disposes of transient love after realizing their own value. Further, the bridge on this track again leverages the electric guitar. And stands to reflect on the same transformation.
Touch Me Before You Say Goodnight takes the previous song’s themes one step further, with a touch more brightness. The use of piano contrasts the distorted strings of the last three songs, and it changes how the audience experiences Gina Zo’s voice. Needless to say, this reflects on the versatility of the singer, and of the musical outfit. It isn’t short of all that creates the signature elements of Zo’s music — with a consistent rhythm from the drums and the distorted guitar. It shows how musicians can use the same set of instruments, and similar themes to create something radically different each time.
To conclude
The strongest impression the album Dark Hallways leaves is that of transformation. The dark themes give way to the bright closing track. And the band maintains its style throughout but creates fundamentally different auditory experiences.
Listen to the album Dark Hallways by Zo here:
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