I just can’t help but smile when listening to Zolof and the Rock & Roll Destroyers. Hiding inside this inextricably cute band is an angry, hard-rocking indie band. But they are trying so hard not to let anyone know. Why? I couldn’t say and it doesn’t really matter.
Zolof is out of Philly. They mix pop perfection and indie sensibilities together and then quietly shred them while no one is looking.
I have to thank my brother for showing me these guys. And that’s all the proof I need to know that Zolof is really a heavy metal band in disguise, just biding their time to break out. See, my brother, he likes the harder stuff, all that crazy metal, etc., and if he hands me something like this, I either have to start wondering about him or take a closer look. I urge you to take a closer look.
On a related note, Zolof totally reminds of this other crazy “pop†band from Japan called the Pillows. It’s probably just the fuzzy licks that I associate with Japan-a-Pop and all of Zolof’s anime imagery.
Either way, the Pillows are worth looking into as well. Along with several albums the Pillows did the soundtrack to this mind-blowing anime show called FLCL or Fooly Cooly or FuriKuri (roughly translated meaning “funny sexyâ€). The show's production is outstanding and the Pillows high-energy “pop†is the perfect compliment.
Ok, quick checklist: Listen to Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer and the Pillows, then go rent some FLCL.
Stuff to Sample: Zolof and the Rock & Roll Destroyers - Moment and Mean Old Coot. The Pillows - Crazy Sunshine and Beautiful Morning With You.
Zolof and the Rock & Roll Destroyers make me feel kinda funny, like when I used to climb the rope in gym class.
I have to admit, I don't hear any subtle hints towards heavy metal coming out of that fuzzy Philly band from those two sample songs. If you like that band though, it may be worth giving Mates of States a listen, and/or the Ditty Bops. I have albums by both of those bands if you want to hear 'em.
Surprise. Surprise. I like other music then Metal.