In the music world, and the rest of the world for that matter, there are imitators and there are innovators. Fold Zandura is definitely an innovator, making it hard to classify into a musical genre other than the vague and misused term "alternative."
Earlier this decade, Jyro Xhan and Jerome Fontamillas got together and formed an industrial band by the name of Mortal. They remained so for several years, releasing a total of six CDs under this name. About four years ago, however, they expressed their disinterest with the future of Mortal, much to the dismay of their loyal fans. Not long after, they announced the formation of Fold Zandura (after recruiting super-drummer Frank Lenz), which was to be a more melodic/alternative pop hybrid with smaller traces of techno and background noises interlaced. With two extremely similar independent releases under their belt, Fold Zandura is looking forward to the release of Ultra Forever, due in stores in early November.
Ultra Forever is packed tight with 15 songs, including a few holdovers from their two previous CDs. Their sound is very tight and is sometimes described as Smashing Pumpkins meets the Beatles. Xhan, who writes most of the songs, exudes great vocal range throughout the CD, effectively complimenting his thick and crunchy guitar riffs and the quirky, yet applicable, background noises.
The Fold Zandura sound is original, innovative, fresh, and sometimes moody. Their overall drive ranges from heavy to light and flow into each other brilliantly. This is a band that has put in their time and deserves some recognition. This album is definitely a good one and worth checking out if you're in the market for something new and creative.
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse Unsorted 1998Reviewed by Alex KlagesJyro, Jerome, and Frank are back! This time they have an album, not just an EP in album's clothing. On this, their self-produced second album (fourth release, but only Return and this disc have had adequate distribution), Jyro Xhan demonstrates once again his uncanny ability for writing catchy pop/rock songs. This time around, there is less emphasis on the guitars, though they are still a major…Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by Aaron Blanco"The old [Mortal] music was good; but I wouldn't be able to stand just playing that. I have to be always pushing the envelope, trying new stuff." So said Jerome Fontamillas, bassist for one of music's perennial innovaters, Fold Zandura. Not long ago Fold played a show in Magee, Mississippi (February 17, 1998, to be exact) with tourmates, The Insyderz. I showed up early to help the bands unload…7ball #14Reviewed by Mike ParkerWith their new project, Ultra Forever, Jyro Xhan, Jerome Fontamillas and Frank Lenz, have effectively driven the final nail in the coffin of the band that used to be Mortal. Gone are even the vestiges of industrial noise that were left over on Return; they've been replaced by intricately produced and intelligently choreographed electronic music. What is not missing is the wondrous, experiential…Similar sounding releases
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