ZOE: Back Into The Light (STONER): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

As its title announces, "Back Into The Light" is a resurrection album for Zoë that we hadn't heard from for too long. The third album, "Raise The Veil" dates from 2014 and many of us were worried about these Northerners who combine devastating energy and sympathetic talent. Thanks to its records and especially its concerts, the band has forged a name for itself within the French stoner rock movement. It would therefore have been a pity that it had already closed down.

While we were almost not expecting him anymore, "Back Into The Light" finally comes to remind us of these little frenchies. Its cover, sexy but in an original way, is a promising first contact. Once you start listening to it, you can quickly realize that Zoë has used these years of discography shortage to guarantee a smashing comeback. And the quartet does even better than reassuring us, it presents us an unsuspected inspiration by thicken his dirty and ballsy Rock.

Coated with the right big sound the bass is quite huge), "Back Into The Light" sends ten direct and unadorned tracks. Galloping rhythm, stained guitar and surly vocals concrete a nervous stoner ('Back Into The Light') more gruff than ever ('Band Of Brothers'). All along, the album sweats urgency through every pore and makes you want to stomp your feet as much as you want to drink beers.

In fact, Zoë goes to the essentials, coupling a godlike firepower to this sense of entertainment typical of the American hard rock of the 80s. However, at no time do they sacrifice reinforced concrete writing. The excellent ideas come from all sides, between a 'Voices' punctuated by a great atmospheric solo, a groovy and tart 'In Praize In Laziness' or this reptilian 'By Your Side'. To the Stoner base, the band injects a vaguely southern dose ('Down In A Hole') or even bluesy ('White Trash') for a venomous result.

Not only did Zoë not miss his comeback, but he offers his best opus to date, a skewer of tracks all more effective than the others. Nothing to throw away, everything is there, the stocky compositions, the battle energy, the rough feeling. The only thing left for the combo to do is to defend on stage "Back Into The Light" to take the place that should be his, among the most skillful stoner rock craftsmen! - Official website

ZOE

BACK INTO THE LIGHT

BRENNUS

STONER