Modern metal just ain't the same anymore. Somewhere down the line, all these musicians learned to play in syncopated sync, creating a very large crunch; plus they all learned to sing in swirling harmonies; then they play it all fast and change rhythms faster than a strobe light; and, most puzzling of all, they sing about strange things and give their songs titles like, "Bus Drivers on Crack" and "Black-Eyed Pea." Who said these people could do stuff like this? And how did good ole boys from Kansas City end up doing this? You might expect it from New York or L.A., but Missouri? Okay, all comparisons to Jane's Addiction meets scaterd-few meets The Chili Peppers aside, this is a very exceptional alterno-metal album. This one puts some distance between itself and "Struggle Fish." With 22 titles to choose from, it's hard to pick favorites. This reviewer would probably say, "The Mister Rogers sample and the parakeet training excerpt speak for the album most eloquently." While some alternative music gets bogged down in just making noise, or some derivitive music goes so far away from rock that it loses me ("Diggin' Away" is guilty of this), this album is a cool, groovin' listen from track to track. There are very few moments when I actually feel like ripping the tape out of the deck and crying for silence. The melodic singing talent of Phil "No last name" really give Dig Hay Zoose a pleasant balance, allowing the band to go further musically. The band's knack for not being afraid to be commercial doesn't hurt either. Throwing in the Doors samples in the title track doesn't distract, but actually makes a cool breakdown. "Circle of Pain" should be the first single by these guys, 'cause it's dripping with attitude and has that super slow 'n' heavy grunge feel that Alice in Chains made popular. Maybe "H8 Machine" should be the second, since its galloping rhythms are of the Galactic Cowboys speed and style. I feel bad writing so many good reviews this issue, but they're each in different musical categories and ya gotta believe me--there's some shreddin' music here that can truly be called "good art." There's nothing mediocre about this stuff.
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse September 1993Reviewed by Beth BlinnThe quartet known as Dig Hay Zoose came to the attention of alternative music fans two years ago, when their debut album, Strugglefish, was released by Brainstorm Artists International. Hailing from Kansas City, Dave Anderson (guitar), Jimmi Florenz (Drums), Bil Brown (bass) and Phil (first name only-vocals) have drawn comparisons to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane's Addiction, and a host of…Salt #17Reviewed by RoadrunnerWow! What a rush! More ZZWOPP! than the average 2X4 across the forehead! Say ya can't get enough tasteful guitar crunch experimentation, grinding bass slappage, brilliant drumming, and vocals everywhere - even harmonies!? You like crescendos galore? Well, enter DHZ disc 2. Set this pretty little...'er, big & pounding, platter over that lazer beam & everyone in-house'll be hoppin'. There ain't a…
