Zook - Music From the Accumulator

Who would I be if I didn't offer to you (our loyal readers) insight to more profound and elaborate music which you may have never heard of? We all know we here at canklesandwaffles are die hard music fans, each with a different interpretation and colorful ways to describe what's out there in the world. With that said, I'd like to establish that my purpose here is to get you thinking about what you haven't heard. I want to be consistent to those of you who actually read my posts by constantly bringing you reviews of albums which I like on a personal level in hopes that you haven't heard them yet. This was the best way I could think of to introduce you to one of my new favorite groups: Zook.


Up until a month ago, I hadn't ever heard of Zook. Somehow I wandered through Jazz, Lo-Fi, Funk, Hiphop, to Zook's Acoustic Soul. Zook is a band of 2 members from London on tummy touch records: SIMON CHARTERTON (percussion and drums), WILLIAM DENTON (guitar and harmonica). Tummy Touch is kind of like a ninja tune for funky soul rock heads. After hearing what Zook has to offer, I definitely need to hear more from tummy touch.

The album begins with "Slinky," kind of a slow drum kick acoustic guitar breakbeat in a way. Come to think of it that can be said for any of Zook's music on this cd. This is minimalistic music. You wont find any bloated or instrument overpopulation on music from the accumulator. Every track is recorded as if the band had absolutely no point in making any of the tracks, yet somehow each song establishes so much! With no lyrics (aside from an occasional whistle), multi-track production, or electronic equipment (yes, this album was recorded acoustically), zook takes us on a journey back into time when music was about more than just the notoriety. In fact, to them music is all about the sound impression. Modern music these days (especially radio worthy hoopla) is plagued with bulky remastered tracks and enough sound effects to overdo a daffy duck cartoon from the 30's. It's through these means that zook creates a clean sound full of warmth and serenity.

music from the accumulator gets you relaxed. To me, music is all about enjoyment. There's nothing like having it at that perfect volume (to me it's coffee shop talking level), a nice comfortable place to sit, and an appropriate atmosphere. When I listen to Zook, the lights are dim and incense burns. The windows stay shut and my cozy apartment glows warm.

As for production, zook's is top notch. Recorded with 0% electronic media, zook's methods, although daring, paid off with a warm vinyl-like sound on CD. Cymbals are sharp, bass is smooth, percussion is crisp, and ambiance is thick. For the break inspired lo-fi loving funk fans out there, there is none better than zook. Look for more music from tummy touch records, I have a feeling we'll be hearing more from them shortly.