Zenyth

Wow, these guys rock! Zenyth are a 5 piece rock band from Cardiff, Wales with an ambition to reinvent classic rock. Their inspirations range from many greats including Led zepplin, Guns 'n' Roses and Aerosmith. With their album Time Will Tell, which was recorded at Rockfield Studios under their belt, Zenyth plan on gigging further afield. Their sound is of classic rock, something that will stand the test of time! I'm Back - A really upbeat rock song with plenty of raw passion flowing through it. It gives me a slight reminder of Ocean Colour Scene. This definatly makes me want to jump in a mustang, stick it on full blast and drive like a crazy person. Blue sky - This has a darker feel to it something more sinister about it. A song with energy and emotion pumped straight to the heart of it. Great sound with a really gritty, rugged voice. I can feel the passion jumping out of this one. Zenyth are a fantastic rock band who I'd love to see live, so bring on up to Birmingham guys!! I totally recommend purchasing their album I certainly will do. In the meantime you can catch them live at the megaday festival in caerphiily on 28th August.
Natalie Chalmers
Muzikvoice Limited - Muzik Voice

With a sound similar to AC/DC, Zenyth is paving the way towards the resurrection of classic rock. These Wales natives put one-hundred percent passion and dedication into their music, and it shows. If you listen, you'll hear bits and pieces of old rockers. For example, the guitars are as amazing as that of Slash's and Jimmi Page. "Eyes Closed" features strong guitar rifts and powerful lyrics. Making it a true classic rock favorite. "Blue Sky" is yet another example of their hard sound. I can't help but love the lyrics to this song. They're very passionate. I highly suggest checking them out. They're completely worth it.

- The Music Review

Zenyth offer a blend of Stereophonics and Kasabian with a bucket load of other influences. Their are slick bass lines and an alround coolness to it, with powerful vocals. 'Speak to me' and 'Second time around' are the better songs out of the 4 tracks we are offered. I had heard of this band before I was given the CD so it shows that word is travelling fast for them, and it is a good starter especially for an unsigned artist. The feeling I get is that Zenyth are popular and will continue to gain popularity in the Uk and internationally.
- The Big Red Caravan

9/10 - March 2007

I know this CD is going to be good even though it's gone nowhere near the stereo yet. Before you ask, it's not because I've been bowled over by the press release pointing out they have supported the likes of The Answer, Toby Jepson (ex Little Angels) and The Ga Gas. Nor is it that I've been struck dumb by such proclamations that BBC Radio (they don't specify which), Total Rock Radio and Channel 4 have played their stuff. Nope, it's not even the fact they were nominated for a Vodafone Live Music Award that's getting my juices flowing. Oh no. Put simply, it's because I've heard it all before - and I mean that in both senses of the phrase.

"Missing In Me" (track 2 here) is actually the third MP3 they've listed on The Mag, and for those of you who keep an eye on these sort of things, I suspect both previous tracks, "Eyes Closed" and "Blue Sky", are on your playlist. If they're not, well you're either a) not a rock fan or b) think I'm talking a load of steaming guff.

For those who missed both tunes the first time around then let me say this; if you feel your head involuntary nodding when "Highway To Hell" comes on the radio; have been known to leap off the bed playing a mean air guitar to "Love In A Elevator" or even managed to get what The Darkness were about before the dire second album (and subsequent rehab), then you will like Zenyth. Period.

It's classic hard rock the way classic hard rock should be. Yes you could say you've heard it all before (and you are probably right) however, Zenyth are not just about imitation. No, they have more then that going on.

Put it this way, my neurological jukebox is stuck on permanent random play. Whatever I'm doing, the darkest regions of my hedonistic brain select a song for the occasion and, if the occasion calls for it, the rock war-chest is cracked open and a suitability titled ditty starts spinning. I have no control over this (be it a blessing or an affliction) but the one thing I do know is that if it doesn't make the grade then it ain't gonna be played (that and the fact I don't need an iPod).

All three of Zenyth's aforementioned tunes have achieved this dubious status. "Eyes Closed" seems to be a Monday morning 'just got to my desk' favourite. "Blue Sky" reserves itself for those long tedious train/car/plane/boat/canoe journeys (has to be a nice day though) and "Missing In Me" likes to appear just after someone's given me a bollocking (though not entirely confined to this situation). Probably too much information I know, but suffice to say that from the intro to the outro, to the solo and the breaks, taking in the la la-a-long bits and driving rhythms, each one has been put together with no small measure of love and certainly no small amount of talent.

In fact the quality of the song writing coupled the veritable smorgasbord of guitar riffs, and then topped off by Paul Regan's Jepson/Gillan/Tyler inspired vocals, make all four of the tracks on this disc an absolute listening pleasure.

But of course I can't write such a glowing review without getting a few digs in and, while I'm clutching at straws a bit here, "Joker's Game", being the other track on the CD, is the weakest on offer. There are good things going on such as the funky/hard rocking start and the excellent vocal harmonies/backing, but the main riff is a bit too one dimensional (and doesn't leave room for the second guitar to compliment it) and the tempo drop for the chorus doesn't sit to comfortably after such power packed verse.

But I am being picky because, no matter which way I look at it, I love these songs. Thus, if they can put on a live show that comes anywhere near close to the quality shown here (and going by our live review they are on the right track) then they'll have a fair shot at being those "bona fide, limousine-riding, multi-million dollar selling, jetsetting international rock stars" that they want to be. And good luck to them. - www.the-mag.me.uk

9/10 May 2007

This is the second EP from Zenyth and it seems they've lost none of those good things from their first release. In fact they've gone and built on it!

"Speak To Me" opens with riffing and wah guitars, but it's the growling distorted bass which is the driving force here. Regan's vocals get a bit of the production treatment which actually adds to an already impressive voice, leaving the drums to hold things together while nearly breaking the snare in the process. The song itself is not so overtly classic rock as it's predecessors possessing a Soundgarden/Pearl Jam quality to the chord progressions and vocal mix.

"Alone" is certainly more classic in the sense of Regan's vocals and some of the guitar riffing and melodies (one with a definite Blackmore edge). However, its more of a jagged creation, especially due to the verse, and sounds much fresher for it. That's said the chorus is another hook laden beast and the ending will have audiences punching the air several times thinking its over when it ain't. It's also most certainly worthy of title 'single'.

"Second Time Around" sees a welcome return of the wah pedal and Jet powered strumming. The vocal harmonies on this track are excellent, as is bobbing bass line which draws you in before the chorus carefully aims a right hook at your chin.

Finishing off with "She Drifts Away", a funky, bouncing number sporting more great vocals and indie rock chorus, Zenyth have produced yet another EP of truly excellent songs. So wave goodbye to that extremely classy cock rock and say hello equally good, highly polished deeper stuff.

Now boys, just keep away from the Prog and the world is yours (well a song on Guitar Hero 3 at the very least).
- The Mag

Having just signed their first record deal and being poised to release their next EP to the world, we thought it was about time to have a chat to the lads from Zenyth to try and find out what the future holds for them and just what makes them tick.


How did you come up with your band name?

That's a tricky one..... We tried for ages to come up with a name and Zenyth was the only one that we could all agree on and it seemed to match our style of music. We recently thought about changing the name but we couldn't think of anything better. It was one of the hardest things we had to do, but were happy with it now.


How long has the band been going?

The Band has been together for three and a half years, although it hasn't really 'got going' yet. We hope it will soon!


In one sentence how would you best describe your music?

Rock. Just rock (shit that's two sentences!).


Who/what would you consider are your most inspiring musical influences?

When we first started as a band we had a lot of 70's and 80's rock influences such as Zeppelin, Guns n Roses, Aerosmith and Queen, but our tastes have matured and have been affected by some of the bands about now. We've got various musical influences, anything from Zeppelin to Kasabian. As long as it gets us going and makes us wanna get up and rock!


Apart from your mum, who/what are your most important non-musical influences?

Ricky Gervais, The Simpsons, East Enders-Dot Cotton showed us the light. Ask a silly question...


Alright, silliness over for the moment, you must be pretty excited getting recently signed to Fruitcage Music. Tell us how it came about?

We had some initial interest through myspace, from a couple of people, but nothing really materialised until we were offered a deal from a new label called Fruitcage music. We've got a really good deal and feel that we will work well together. We reckon they're just in it for a share of our girls and rock and roll lifestyle... joke's on them - we haven't got any to share!


So, you have the new EP 'Alone' out soon, what else have you got planned for the rest of the year?

We plan to start work on our first album shortly, with a release date later in the year. We've got our heads down writing, gigging and getting our music out there at every opportunity. We hope that our new EP will go down well and attract new interest and support. If not we'll be on the dole.


Going on to playing live, where was the first gig you ever played?

It was 2004 at our bass player Chris' 18th. We were all the rage for 18th birthdays, we had the grannies in the front trippin out and were paid in buffet. Paul our lead singer had a mic lead that was a foot long and our amps sounded like farts in a biscuit tin. Good times!


So where was the best gig you ever played and why?

The first time we played the Cavern in Liverpool was amazing, it's got such a great history and atmosphere, but the best gig has to be The Clapham Grand, London, in April. We got to play our new stuff in front of a great crowd on a great stage, but we still managed to cause havoc by setting off the fire alarm backstage. The bouncers weren't happy! We nearly pissed off our coach driver enough to the point where he practically refused to take us home too. (Twat).


Any embarrassing moments whilst playing live you want to tell us about?

We once played behind a huge pillar on a tiny stage to a couple of barmaids, one of them actually had teeth! That was embarrassing, particularly when the barmaids locked up the bar and went home.


So, turning to the current state of modern music, what's your take on it?

There's plenty of decent bands out there that just don't get a chance. Major labels seem to just stick to a bit of a production line of bands which makes everyone appear the same. The labels should be more adventurous-there's a massive market for more varied music than they're pushing.


Given downloading is becoming very popular, do you think MP3s really help bands to sell their records?

Anything that gets your music to a wider audience is good. You never know, that person might buy your album in the future. MP3's give an alternative rather than a replacement to CD's. In our case we want people to have the option of holding our work, looking at the booklet and reading the lyrics. In the end we are happy as long as people are listening to our music. (Sounds like an answer to a f**king A level media question!!!)


What about illegal downloads? Do you think it's a good thing getting people sharing files or is it bad news for bands and their music?

Piracy is a Crime. Would you steal a book? Would you steal a old ladies handbag? Would you steal our dream of becoming rock stars for a couple of quid. PUT YOUR HAND IN YOUR POCKET!


Alright then, back to the silliness. If you were a groupie, who's tour bus would you try to sneak onto and why?

What's a groupie? What's a tour bus? On those long haul late night gigs in our van, sadly, all we've got is each other!


Anything else to confess?

One of us has both male and female genitalia. - The Mag

Veiw Full Report here.

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/cardiff-news/2006/07/26/line-up-announced-for-11th-megaday-festival-91466-17452008/ - Western Mail & Echo

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http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/cardiff-news/2006/08/04/battle-of-the-band-ends-in-war-of-words-91466-17515992/ - Western Mail & Echo

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http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/2006/07/06/the-art-of-zen-91466-17340471/ - Western Mail & Echo

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http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/cardiff-news/2006/10/11/zenyth-aim-to-peak-tonight-91466-17911361/ - Western Mail & Echo