ZEALOUSY

By: James McQuinston

Zealousy – Album Review
"Complications" (CD)

“Girl on The Edge” is likely how listeners will get their first glimpse of Zealousy, and the band’s effort in this track will ensure that anyone lucky enough to listen in will be there for the long haul. This is due to the fact that Zealousy creates a scintillating compilation that has the vocals pull double duty – putting forth the lyrics as well as creating another set of harmony for the rest of the band to build off of. Zealousy comes into “So I Am” will tremendous momentum, and instead of spinning their wheels like so many other bands, “So I Am” in many ways marks another high water mark for the band. “So I Am” links together the strong female rock of acts like L7 and The Breeders with eighties rock and new wave, turning “Complications” into an album that may just herald a new genre of rock.

“Wanting” continues all the fury and fire of these previous two tracks, while allowing the guitars to shine, both in regards to intricate arrangements and the ability to tell a story. Where previous tracks had been fueled by the narrative of the vocals, subsequent songs on “Complications” use a mixture of vocals and guitars to create a narrative that maneuvers itself to a Pink Floyd type of plane. “Drop” may just be “Complications”’s biggest hit, but this is not done at the expense of the unique style cultivated during the disc’s first tracks. Rather, what Zealousy does during “Drop” is expand their sound, allowing the final four tracks of “Complications” the ability to draw from an increased selection of styles and genres.

Listeners will hear this soon after “Drop” is finished, as “She Fires The Gun” uses the catchy vocal stylings of a “Drop” as a counterweight for the more spontaneous instrumentation that is present at the onset of the track. Despite clocking in at over seven minutes, “Wrong Man” is a must-listen track for anyone, regardless of whether they are fans of Zealousy. The beauty inherent in this track may be reminiscent of an Evanescence, but Zealousy refuses to be pigeonholed during this epic track. Bits and pieces of eighties rock, nineties alternative, and even the torch songs of the early decades of the twentieth century all unite to create Zealousy’s defining track. If you like your rock intelligent while still hard, make it a point to pick up “Complications”.

Top Tracks: Everything, Wrong Man

Rating: 8.3/10 - James McQuinston - NeuFutur Magazine

Zealousy examines angst in a mature, empowered fashion
a la Alanis Morissette. An interesting vocal approach is layered nicely over subtle heroin rock. “Wrong Man” and “Chemical Imbalance” are strong tunes illustrative of both the lyrical themes and the vocal prowess of Amarie Darvai, as well as the unobtrusive momentum of the band. “So I Am” is a fine self-affirmation while “Drop,” with an intro akin to the Monkees’ “Daydream Believer,” is a danceable indie-pop song reminiscent of a Blondie ditty, albeit a somewhat darker incarnation.

Musicianship:
Darvai has a bold, ambitious vocal style similar to that of Annie Lennox and Tori Amos. The band is subdued which is not to say without impact. Christopher Cody uses a smooth tone and solos for effect, not ego, adding to the music without compromising the vibe or distracting from the material. The spine of Babin’s bass lines is solid and (...) drumming is low-key but appropriate.

Performance:
Both the band and Darvai took time to warm up, but the energy increased song by song and by the second half of the performance the music possessed confidence and ambition. The crowd clearly enjoyed the act and some attendees were impressed with a band they didn’t expect to like, which is always a good sign.

Summary:
Overall, Zealousy gave an excellent show. As a suggestion, they may want to consider introducing more instrumentation, percussion, strings, perhaps some creative woodwinds to add yet another layer and take some of the pressure off of Darvai who sometimes seems overworked. Suggestions aside, an indie label willing to take a chance would likely benefit from investing time, energy, and faith in this young act. With a little direction, Zealousy could produce big results for a small company with a future.

––Joe James / Music Connection Magazine
- Music Connection Magazine

Song has a UNIQUE QUALITY to it that

sets it apart from other songs.

Intro was a little long ... but it did CAPTURE ATTENTION !!

This song could potentially have

COMMERCIAL APPEAL.

- Billboard World Song Contest - Billboard Music World Song Contest

"From what we've seen, Zealousy is quickly creating a frenzy of fans who can't seem to get enough of a band who aims just slightly left and centers on EPIC. With a little exposure, this band will be making a record company somewhere - a lot of money... as fans from all ages seem to find something appealing about Zealousy's style-mix, talent and lyrics." - Soundraze

Return of the rock opera. The follow up to their 2007 EP ‘Girl on the Edge’, Female fronted, L.A. indie band Zealousy releases their first full length offering ‘Complications’.
Leading off with ‘Girl on the Edge’… through ‘Wanting’, and ‘Wrong Man’…‘Complications’ conjures images of the old rock operas to weave its way through some interesting tales of a lady’s experiences. A little Pink Floyd, A little The Who, brought to you with a female voice from a female perspective. There was a song or two off that kilter, but the rest make you forgive her for that.
From politics to performers, look out for the ladies rising up to take their place in the world. Amarie Darvai is certainly leading Zealousy in the right direction. An epic voice backed up by solid instrumentation makes for a foundation that Zealousy seems to be taking advantage of. Honorable mention from the Billboard World Song Contest, a showcase at the Hollywood Music Awards, and some great gigs at legendary Los Angeles venues all have Zealousy gearing up to go big. With the right producer, this band can go big, very big.
Apparently they even add some extra keyboards and violin during live performances. That sounds like ear candy. “I Find Myself Left a Little Wanting”, wanting some record label to sign Zealousy, get them a top notch producer to polish them up a bit, and make this band famous. - Gary Jacobs - Scope Magazine