Zebra Hunt - Trade Desire
Seattle’s jangle pop outfit Zebra Hunt dropped their third album, called Trade Desire. The album contains eight-tracks of yummy guitar pop with beau coup jangle and lots of hooks.
Zebra Hunt
Made up of Robert, Mitch, Aaron, and Erik, the band has been playing together for almost four years, and it’s reflected in their tight harmonic cohesion. Their previous album, In Phrases, escorted the band on a tour of Spain, where they received an enthusiastic reception.
“See Through You” opens the album, riding shimmering guitars supported by crisp definitive percussion and a popping bass line. Gleaming accents add to the song’s luminous feel, while the mellow vocals infuse the lyrics with tantalizing allure. The bass on this track is deliciously excellent, with round triplets of sound.
Entry points include “Two States,” opening on glistening guitars flowing into a low-slung rhythm topped by dreamy undulating colors. The jangly lead guitar injects iridescent flavors into the harmonics, gliding on sparkling hues, as the vocals come across as just a bit remote, which fits the texture of the song.
“Second One To Know” combines flavors of the Bobby Fuller Four with punk-lite atop a rumbling rhythm.
I love the stuttering intro to “Coral Scenery,” followed by smooth metallic spangled tones. There’s a darker pigment riding way down low that gives the tune a muscular ambience. “Houses Burning” travels on a sing-song rolling rhythm with hints of punk-lite running it through it. When the harmonics ramp up, the punk vibe is more pronounced. There’s an aggression to the vocals not heard on prior tracks.
“Second One To Know” combines flavors of the Bobby Fuller Four with punk-lite atop a rumbling rhythm. “Ohh ohh” background harmonies imbue the tune with radiant sheens of sonic color.
The last track, “Don’t Say Anything,” opens on a blues-infused jangle pop melody, with almost Southern rock flavors lingering in the backdrop. The melancholic mood of the song provides a whole different level of jangle pop dynamics that approach alt-rock elements. The combination of savors is well-wrought.
On Trade Desire, Zebra Hunt demonstrates their evolving sound, allowing brawnier sounds to blend with the cashmere flow of cool jangle pop.
