Here to continue pushing the boundaries of hardcore & power violence, Zulu is currently one of the most prolific bands in the hardcore scene.
At the forefront of racial & political unrest, speaking words we all think, Zulu are here to fuck shit up!
Releasing their debut album “A New Tomorrow”, filled with 15 tracks ranging from said hardcore & power violence to jazz & reggae, and even death metal.
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.
“Africa” opens the album with a beautifully crafted piano & orchestral intro before “For Sista Humphrey” kicks things into gear. Heavy two-step sections with thick chugs get things off to a ball’s out to start.
Giving us our first of many crazy breakdowns on this album is “Our Day Is Now”. Great power violence passages before the track slow down to become the perfect hardcore bread & butter. Spinkicks are galore here.
“Fakin’ Tha Funk (You Get Did)” is a stomper of a track. The back & forth of vocal duties from Anaiah Lei & Christine Cadette is just brilliant. Giving us a really diverse landscape of melody & hard-hitting songwriting.
The first big “genre” jump is within “Shine Eternally”. A slowly wah-wah melodic journey. A shining light breather that mixes up the harsher tracks on the album & just showcases how seasoned Zulu has become as musicians.
“From Tha Gods To Earth” is the stand-out track on the album. A fast & meaty track just over the minute & half mark. The perfect track that builds intensity & is driven by Satchel Brown’s thick, broad bass tone.
“Créme de Cassis” By Alesia Miller & Precious Tucker gives us one of the most important elements of Zulu. Their forefront & progressive statement on black lives. A pointe & beautiful track that echoes in the listener’s ears & I hope gets them thinking!
“A New Tomorrow” might be Zulu’s debut album but from the offset, it’s one of the most dazzling & luscious albums hardcore has seen in some time. Mixing genres, breaking boundaries & having something for everyone it really is a remarkable album.
A New Tomorrow is out via Flatspot Records on 3rd March 2023
Joseph Mitchell
A New Tomorrow Tracklist:
1. Africa
2. For Sista Humphrey
3. Our Day Is Now
4. Music To Driveby
5. Where I’m From (Ft. Pierce Jordan & Obioma Ugonna)
6. Fakin’ Tha Funk (You Get Did)
7. Shine Eternally
8. Must I Only Share My Pain
9. Lyfe Az A Shorty Shun B So Ruff
10. From Tha Gods To Earth
11. Créme De Cassis By Aleisia Miller & Precious Tucker
12. We’re More Than This
13. 52 Fatal Strikes (Ft. Paris Roberts)
14. Divine Intervention
15. Who Jah Bless No One Curse
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