Description
Release Date: 3/3/23
Known for their blend of hardcore and powerviolence, Zulu is pushing the boundaries of those sounds into new territory on their forthcoming album, A New Tomorrow. Formed as a solo project by vocalist Anaiah Lei in 2018 and then joined by guitarist Braxton Marcellous, the Los Angeles based band has since been rounded out by guitarist Dez Yusuf, bassist Satchel Brown and drummer Christine Cadette. A New Tomorrow (Flatspot Records) serves as the bands first full-length, following EPs Our Day Will Come (2019) and My People..Hold On (2020). Taking on the task of self-producing the record, the band immersed themselves in collaborator Zach Tuchs (Dare, Trash Talk) studio in the valley. After spending months toying with different instrumentation and samples, and pulling influences ranging from reggae to death metal, the result is an eclectic 15 tracks.
The lyrics on the record are personal yet vast, filled with thoughts of perseverance and recognition. As Lei expands:
While our past material was a more direct approach and very in your face about the treatment of black individuals around the world, I wanted to step away and express the love and beauty of us. That through all the hard things we go through, thats not just what we are and it doesnt define us. Our culture is so rich and vast, and I couldnt even begin to explain all of that. But some of the topics that make this record include unity and love in the community and hope for ourselves.
A New Tomorrow starts with the instrumental track, Africa, driven by a piano and violin performance supplied by Aisha Burns and Precious Tucker before heading into full force. Exploring through, cuts like Our Day Is Now and Fakin Tha Funk showcase the bands penchant for writing heavy riffs and in-your-face breakdowns. Shine Eternally and Were More Than This seep into more soulful and jazz inspired sounds, the latter featuring a captivating rap delivery from Yusuf. To make the album an even more collaborative effort, the band enlisted friends and fellow artists for feature contributions. On Where Im From youll find Leis vocals complimented by Soul Glos Pierce Jordan and Playytimes Obioma Ugonna; and Truth Cults Paris Roberts adds a powerful notion to 52 Fatal Strikes. The album closes out with Who Jah Bless No One Curse, a song about the importance of love that sees the band mastering their fusion-forward sound.
Pressing:
Glow In The Dark (out of 100 – Flatspot Exclusive)
Brown (out of 200 – Flatspot Exclusive)
Marble – Ultra Clear + Black (out of 300 – Flatspot + Evil Greed Exclusive)
Transparent Yellow (out of 400 – Project M / Band Exclusive)
Purple (out of 1000 – RevHQ + Deathwish + Evil Greed Exclusive)
2nd Pressing:
1100 – Canary Yellow
750 – Evergreen
500 – Transparent Orange (Revhq Exclusive)
150 – Transparent Blue (Flatspot Exclusive)
Digital Download Included
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