Waves of Seeing – ZĀM (Vinyl, Digital, 2023)

No.5228

Download Album HERE

GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker:

“Waves of Seeing,” the debut album from ZĀM, is a daring exploration of improvised music that doesn’t shy away from pushing boundaries. Released on November 24, 2023, this album is a fusion of noise, rock, ambient, new age, glitch, drone, hardcore, sludge, psychedelic, electronica, and free music, creating an eclectic blend that’s both challenging and captivating.

The album begins with “Source,” a track that stirs a dormant beast, setting the tone for the rest of the album. It then segues into “Egress,” a powerful discordant cacophony of strings and percussive elements that catapults the listener into the heart of the album.

“Dellacatom Machine” stands out with its flirtation with analog electronics, rambling beats, and frenzied energy. It’s followed by “The Wind,” a heavy, lurching track that feels like a grindcore dungeon dive.

“Suppine” offers a brief respite, but it’s the kind that signals impending chaos. This chaos is realized in “Phototaxis,” a track that embraces madness with its frenetic electronics and dissonant static tinges.

“Power Strip” combines atmospheric synths with muffled percussion snippets and guttural formants, creating a soundscape that approaches the level of a didgeridoo. The album concludes with “Wanderlust,” a track that encapsulates the raw energy and experimental nature of the entire album.

The album was engineered, mixed, and mastered by James Dellatacoma at Orange Music in West Orange, NJ. Andrew Colwell (bass, electronics, vocals), Anthony Pirog (guitar, electronics, synth), and Dan Sharnoff (drums, tapes, samples) make up ZĀM, delivering a performance that feels improvised yet cohesive.

“Waves of Seeing” by ZĀM is an audio-visual journey that challenges the listener’s perception of music. It’s a raw, experimental album that demands attention and rewards it with a unique sonic experience.