First discovered by many at Download 2015, Love Zombies, formed by songwriters Hollis Mahady and Davey Fitzsimon create a distinctive brand of pop, punk and new wave with a strong 60’s/70’s influence channelling the likes of Blondie and The Ramones.
Their debut album highlights that fact that this band are dedicated to their craft and yet just want to have fun. Each track is packed full of punktastic riffs and great songwriting. Opening with the barnstormer of a track “Oblivion” the tunes keep coming after that proving that Love Zombies are here to make a glorious noise.
There is no doubt that the band have matured since their inception and bring a much fuller sound to the table than in 2015.
“Passion Fruit” is the kind of album that just makes you smile as you listen to it. Sure there are the full on punk rockers such as “Zombies and Aliens” and “Birthday”, but they somehow have that sweet sugar candy coating thanks to Hollis Mahady’s punk-queen vocals. Also in the mix, we occasionally get some full on glam with tracks such as “Spiders” and even the odd rock ballad with “Big and Strong”, even if the latter does seem to be a little tongue in cheek, but hey that’s just the fun of this album.
Personally, I have yet to catch the band live, however, you can really imagine these songs being played live and how they will engage an audience .. “Favourite Song” and “Fast and Frantic” being great examples. For me, the song on the album that really stands out is “Backwards World”, it’s a real Blondie meets the Ramones stomper.
So overall hats off to the Love Zombies a great LP that shows the promise of things to come.
To coincide with the release of Passionfruit and their UK shows, the band will also be recording the live album “No Slow Songs” at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. The album is available for pre-order via Pledge Music here, with rewards including the opportunity for fans to go to the studio for the session, and to be involved and immortalised on the recording.
