(label)
01 January 2013 (released)
19 August 2013
The first song 'Vaya' begins with the static of an old record on a player rolling which unsubtly suggests the rustic, traditional slant utilised by EdTang & The Chops in their outrageously named 2013 release 'Goodbye, Zen5, Sushi Dinner'.
The album is another sign that classic folk rock is returning to the forefront from seemingly nowhere. A genre that had quietly faded away like the years of its pomp has finally rekindled its glory and found a new home, ironically, in the electronically-based dance music-obsessed 21st century. There appears to be a new market who appreciate the bumpkinly acoustic sentimentality and the soulful, meaningful lyrics involved in folk and that's what this album represents.
Even whilst dealing with serious and tender subjects during the twilight of youth, 'Goodbye, Zen5, Sushi Dinner' is conscious to remain upbeat and uptempo keeping enthusiastic about the experiences and life lessons learned during those times. This is where the Americana influences enter the fray, utilising electric guitars and rock pianos for added vibrancy. There is a country energy that incites a good time feel like Tim Barry's stuff given a good ol' kick up the backside.
The indie rock qualities that the songs exhibit make the album somewhat contemporary; very much folksy yet still spunky enough to be included in modern-day charts alongside other great singer/songwriters. Each song is punchy and provocative in its own delicate way that implores you to take this introspective journey with the band
One of the best aspects of the album is that it doesn't sound like a spruced-up studio record. In fact, the ambience and tone around it make it sound as if it were recorded from off of a live gig on a large stage. Some of the more anthemic compositions like 'My Whole Life' and 'Bill, I Believe This is Killing Me' only serve to emphasise this outlook.
'Goodbye, Zen5, Sushi Dinner' shows that it is not a one-trick pony and, for the first time in a long time, I can honestly say that this is an album in which you can hear clearly the influences it boasts. It builds from the classical to the more modern gradually from track to track like a great action film and then blows you away by the end but never forgets its pastoral roots.
