New Music: Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy, Maple Mars, The Zombies

In this column, I highlight three outstanding new titles.

Artists: Phil Lynott, Thin Lizzy

Titles: "Phil Lynott Songs For While I'm Away"; "Thin Lizzy The Boys Are Back In Town Live At The Sydney Opera House October 1978" (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore, music documentary films

Tell me more: Regardless if you are a hardcore or casual fan, or know very little about Irish singer-songwriter-bassist Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy fame, a wonderful new dual title marks the perfect chance to learn more about the groundbreaking artist. Available as a Blu-ray+DVD+CD (reviewed here) or as a 2xDVD+CD, Mercury Studios' release of "Phil Lynott Songs For While I'm Away" and "Thin Lizzy The Boys Are Back In Town Live At The Sydney Opera House October 1978" is one of the year's most important classic rock-minded titles. "Phil Lynott Songs For While I'm Away" is a compelling feature-length documentary that explores the rich life and music of Lynott, a black boy raised in Dublin who became one of the Emerald Isle's most beloved music artists. Written and directed by Emer Reynolds, the film uses film footage, new and historic interviews, and Lynott's memorable songs to chronicle his life (sadly, he passed away at the age of 36 in January 1986). Among the notables who share insights into Lynott are bassist Adam Clayton (U2), Huey Lewis (Huey Lewis & The News), James Hatfield (Metallica), members of Thin Lizzy, and Lynott's wife and two daughters. "Thin Lizzy The Boys Are Back In Town Live At The Sydney Opera House October 1978" was previously released via VHS, Laserdisc and DVD, but the new version on this title presents the concert with cleaned up video and remixed audio from multi-track recordings. Additionally, five songs from the performance never before seen are among the bonus features. Thin Lizzy is seen in a rousing performance with Lynott, guitarists Scott Gorham and Gary Moore and drummer Mark Nauseef delivering powerful versions of "Jailbreak," "Bad Reputation," "Waiting For An Alibi," "The Boys Are Back In Town" and other winning originals. Information: MercuryStudios.co or ThinLizzyOfficial.com. 

Artist: Maple Mars

Title: Someone's Got To Listen (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Fountains of Wayne, The Move

Tell me more: Maple Mars is back! The Los Angeles-based quartet has released Someone's Got To Listen, a terrific 10-track effort that also marks the outfit's first new full-length album since 2010's Galaxyland. Loaded with an intoxicating mix of psychedelic rock, tuneful songcraft and artful arrangements, Someone's Got To Listen extols '60s influences while tapping into modern day heft. There is truly no filler on the outstanding disc, which boasts one must hear original after another. My faves include the irresistible opener "Useless Information," luxurious "Gliding," soaring harmonies-adorned "Teenage Dream," nuanced "Goodbye California," and driving "Silver Craft" (bolstered by some fantastic guitar work). The ambitious closer "Redemption" caps the outstanding return. Maple Mars' talented lineup includes Rick Hromadka (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Steve Berns (guitar), Ron Pak (drums, vocals) and Joe Giddings (bass, vocals). Someone's Got To Listen is set for release on Friday, July 22. Information: BigStirRecords.com. 

Artist: The Zombies

Title: The Zombies - Live From Studio Two (Red House Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies 

Tell me more: Concertgoers attending any of The Zombies forthcoming live dates — including the highly anticipated appearance at Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown on July 21 — will want to pick up a copy of The Zombies - Live From Studio Two, a CD+DVD release that features the group's live performance captured at Abbey Road Studios in London on Sept. 18, 2021. The only performance staged by the British rock group in 2021, the 90-minute performance shines as both a concert film and audio-only affair. At the Sept. 18, 2021 concert, the quintet thrilled with a mix of enduring classics, artful covers, deep cuts as well as the live premiere of new songs set to be included on an as-of-yet untitled album likely to be released sometime this year. Led by founding members Rod Argent (keyboards, vocals) and Colin Blunstone (lead vocals), the group also includes guitarist-backing vocalist Tom Toomey, drummer Steve Rodford and bassist-backing vocalist Søren Koch. The five members have a strong chemistry and together display top-tier musicianship and resplendent harmonies bringing the Zombies signature masterful style blending classic rock, baroque pop, jazz and blues to life throughout their 90-minute performance. Blunstone's vocals defy time, and his soaring tenor remains a true wonder. The release is also available for purchase on the group's website. Information: TheZombiesMusic.com. 

Robert Kinsler

New episode of 'TheNews' - The Beatles, The Zombies, Elton John, Larkin Poe, The HU, more!

Check out the latest episode of TheNews where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss announcements related to The Beatles, The Zombies, Elton John, Larkin Poe, The HU, 7Horse and more!

Watch the episode HERE.

Larkin Poe unveil smoldering title track from eagerly awaited new album 'Blood Harmony'

Exciting news - and new music - from the talented duo Larkin Poe...Robert Kinsler

LARKIN POE SHARE “BLOOD HARMONY”

GRAMMY® AWARD-NOMINATED

SISTER DUO UNVEIL SMOLDERING TITLE TRACK 

FROM EAGERLY AWAITED NEW ALBUM

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERED TODAY VIA GUITAR WORLD

EPIC WORLD TOUR SCHEDULE INCLUDES SUMMER RUN 

WITH WILLIE NELSON’S OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL

AND DATES ALONGSIDE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND,

MELISSA ETHERIDGE, AND JACK WHITE

BLOOD HARMONY ARRIVES VIA TRICKI-WOO RECORDS

ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Photo: Jason Stoltzfus

"dynamic...hard-riffing...swaggering"  - Guitar World "Larkin Poe’s Megan Lovell dishes out a guitar sound so nasty it’s bound to elicit more than a few stankface responses."  - LOUDWIRE "Rebecca’s electric guitar is fuzzed out and ballsy like Jack White’s, but Megan’s lap steel is the special sauce"  - Riff Magazine Larkin Poe (from left, Rebecca and Megan Lovell) rocking at the 2018 Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point, CA. Photo: Bob Steshetz Larkin Poe – the GRAMMY® Award-nominated duo of Georgia-bred, Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell – have shared “Blood Harmony,” available now at all DSPs and streaming services. The smoldering title track from their upcoming sixth studio album is joined by an official music video that premiered today via Guitar World. Blood Harmony arrives via Larkin Poe’s own Tricki-Woo Records on Friday, November 11. Pre-orders are available now, including limited edition magenta colored vinyl, CD, cassette, and more.  “‘Blood Harmony’ came together after Megan and our mom and I all read Ruth Ozeki’s A Tale for the Time Being, which is about the ways we perceive the passage of time,” says Rebecca Lovell. “There was just something about the sweetness of all three of us reading the same book, and then being able to talk about how it related to our love for each other and our love for music. Of all the songs I’ve ever written, I’m particularly proud of this one; I cannot wait to sing it loudly with all of our chosen family out on the road.” LISTEN TO “BLOOD HARMONY” WATCH OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PRE-ORDER BLOOD HARMONY Blood Harmony was first heralded this spring by the ferocious “Bad Spell,” available now at all DSPs and streaming services. An official music video is streaming now via YouTube. “Bad Spell” – which Rebecca Lovell describes as “a female response” to Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ classic “I Put a Spell on You” – was met by critical applause around the world, with Americana-UK hailing its “leather jacket swagger,” adding, “This fierce blues rock barnburner from Larkin Poe conjures arena strutting 70’s rockers and the first wave of British blues in the 60’s.” “Rebecca delivers some monumental riffage on the tune,” wrote Guitar World, “with her sister Megan adding some singeing lap steel statements to the picture.” LISTEN TO “BAD SPELL” WATCH OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO Blood Harmony affirms Larkin Poe as an essential force in shaping the identity of Southern rock ‘n’ roll, breathing new energy into the genre with both forward-thinking perspective and a decidedly feminine strength. In a departure from the self-contained approach of past albums like 2020’s Self Made Man – praised by American Songwriter as “pumped up for arena-sized consumption without compromising any of its stripped-down command and intensity” – Larkin Poe co-produced the new album alongside Texas-bred musician Tyler Bryant (also Rebecca’s husband). With Megan handling harmony vocals, lap steel, and resonator guitar and Rebecca on guitar and keys, Larkin Poe also enlisted members of their longtime live band, including drummer Kevin McGowan and bassist Tarka Layman. Mainly recorded at Rebecca and Tyler’s home studio, the result is an electrifying new work that fully harnesses the fiery vitality they’ve shown in touring across the globe, imbuing their songs with equal parts soulful sensitivity and thrilling ferocity. From the feverish guitar work of “Bad Spell” to the soul-stirring “Southern Comfort” and smoldering title track, Blood Harmony reveals a band in complete touch with their formidable intuition, their storytelling fortified with a blues-heavy sound that hits right in the heart.   “When steering by your own stars, you never quite know where you’re going to wind up,” says Larkin Poe. “Our true north is unique to us, and in following our true north without compromise, we have been out freewheeling this world on the ride of our lives. And it still feels like just the beginning. Blood Harmony is a creative step we are proud to have taken together as sisters. We grew these songs in a sweet part of our hearts and we hope they bring beauty.”  Larkin Poe are currently celebrating Blood Harmony on a marathon world tour, including North American dates as part of Willie Nelson & Family’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour beginning July 29 at Cuyahoga Falls, OH’s Blossom Music Center and continuing into September. For complete details and ticket information, please visit www.larkinpoe.com/tour. # # # LARKIN POE WORLD TOUR 2022 JULY 13 – Stuttgart, Germany – Jazzopen 2022 14 – Zürich, Switzerland – Samsung Hall † 15 – Frankfurt Am Main, Germany – Jahrhunderthalle † 16 – Ostrava, Czech Republic – Colours of Ostrava * 18 – Trieste, Italy – Castello di San Giusto  20 – Brezoi, Romania – Open Air Blues Festival Brezoi * 22 – Southwold, United Kingdom – Latitude Festival * 29 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center # 30 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center # 31 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake # AUGUST 6 – Edmonton, AB – Edmonton Folk Festival * 20 – Hamilton, OH – Whimmydiddle * 25 – Las Vegas, NV – The Big Blues Bender * 27 - Trois-Rivières, QC – Trois-Rivières en Blues * 8/30-9/5 – Playa Mujeres, Mexico – Etheridge Island * SEPTEMBER 4 – George, WA – The Gorge ^ 9 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre # 10 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion # 11 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater # 13 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater # 14 – Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada – Harvest Music Festival * 16 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center # 17 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion # 18 – Saratoga Springs, NY – SPAC # 23 – Camden, NJ – Waterfront Music Pavilion # OCTOBER 1 – Ocean City, MD – Oceans Calling Festival * 8 – Columbia, MO – Roots N Blues Festival * 14 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre #  15 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre #  16 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre # APRIL 2023 9 – Sydney, Australia – Metro Theatre 10 – Melbourne, Australia – The Croxton Bandroom * Festival Appearance † w/Jack White # Outlaw Music Festival Tour ^ w/Dave Matthews Band and Black Pumas # # # LARKIN POE BLOOD HARMONY (Tricki-Woo Records) Release Date: Friday, November 11

Tracklisting: Deep Stays Down Bad Spell Georgia Off My Mind Strike Gold Southern Comfort Bolt Cutters & The Family Name Blood Harmony  Kick The Blues Might As Well Be Me Summertime Sunset Lips As Cold As Diamond CONNECT WITH LARKIN POE: OFFICIAL | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

Mongolian rock sensation THE HU announce new album 'Rumble of Thunder'; share new single with video for "Black Thunder"

Check out news on the return of The HU; I loved the band's amazing set at Coachella this year (read my review HERE)...Robert Kinsler 

 

The HU / Photo Credit: Khishigsuren Baasan

THE HU, ACCLAIMED MONGOLIAN ROCK BAND, ANNOUNCE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUM ‘RUMBLE OF THUNDER’ OUT SEPTEMBER 2 VIA BETTER NOISE MUSIC UNLEASH NEW TRACK AND VIDEO “BLACK THUNDER” PRE-ORDER HERE | STREAM HERE

Band Kicking Off North American Tour with Five Finger Death Punch, Megadeth, and Fire From The Gods on August 19, 2022 

Purchase Tickets

 

The HU performing at Coachella on April 22, 2022.
Photo Credit: Robert Kinsler

Breakthrough Mongolian rock act THE HU have announced details of their long-awaited sophomore album RUMBLE OF THUNDER, recorded via Better Noise Music, and released a new single called “Black Thunder” along with an official music video. The band’s 12-track second studio album is set for release September 2 and includes “This Is Mongol,” their eco-conscious single released in May, that now boasts over a million streams in less than two months. “Black Thunder” incorporates Mongolian values, telling a powerful story of battle, faith, and death lyrically and visually. The band has been teasing new music from their sophomore album on their headlining Black Thunder Tour, at Coachella, and soon at Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival, in Australia and New Zealand, on tour with Five Finger Death Punch and Megadeth, and later in Europe and the UK - a full list of dates below. This new music was recorded in their homeland of Mongolia, after their debut album ‘The Gereg’ landed at #1 on the World Album and Top New Artist charts in its first week of release. Pre-order RUMBLE OF THUNDER HERE. See below for a full tracklist. To stream and watch the striking video for “Black Thunder,” click HERE. Fans can purchase tickets to watch THE HU on tour HERE.

 

Vocalist GALA shared, “‘Black Thunder’ is the crown jewel of our second album. The music video is split into two parts and conveys the core values of men through visuals. Our producer Dashka chose a unique location in Mongolia to shoot the video, where we had a great time riding the horses in the vast grassland of our countryside. We hope that our pride in our culture shines through, as we aimed to bring viewers joy and a piece of our culture through this video.” Speaking on their next studio album, he continued, “Our second album will include ‘Black Thunder,’ along with many new songs. We can’t wait for you to listen and enjoy it as much as we enjoyed recording it.”

THE HU’s last official video was set in the Mojave Desert and highlighted their unique core values of natural preservation and spiritual connection with the earth. The video for“Black Thunder” also features an epic backdrop, this time in Mongolia. Directed by Erdenebileg Ganbold and producer Dashka, the video is action packed, taking the viewers through battle and a funeral procession ritual. Watch the official music video HERE. 

 

Earlier this year, THE HU impressed various media with powerful, energizing performances on their Black Thunder Tour and at Coachella, with SF Gate’s Ariana Bindman writing, “The last time I fell in love, it wasn’t with a person. It was with a seven-piece Mongolian heavy metal band belting out guttural war cries while playing Motorhead-style riffs with traditional horsehead fiddles, electric guitars and flutes. Behind me, people of all backgrounds bob their heads, raise their fists and scream in harmony. I’m watching THE HU at Coachella, the first music festival I’ve attended since the world forever changed. And they’re f—king epic.”

 

This summer, THE HU will hit stages across North America, as they head out on tour with Megadeth, Five Finger Death Punch, and Fire From The Gods. The tour starts in Portland, Oregon on August 19, spanning over 30 dates, and closes out on October 15 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Concertgoers are promised an intense multi-faceted night of heavy rock music. Tickets are on sale now HERE.

 

The band has curated five playlists on Spotify, hand-picked by Gala, Enkush, Jaya, and Temka and feature tracks from their previous album and upcoming release. Listen here:

THE HU Complete

THE HU Playlist Curated by Gala

THE HU Playlist Curated by Enkush

THE HU Playlist Curated by Jaya

THE HU Playlist Curated by Temka

 

‘Rumble of Thunder’ Tracklist

1. This is Mongol
2. YUT Hövende
3. Triangle
4. Teach Me
5. Upright Destined Mongol
6. Sell The World
7. Black Thunder
8. Mother Nature
9. Bii Biyelgee
10. Segee
11. Shihi Hutu
12. TATAR Warrior

 

THE HU Upcoming Tour Dates:

Jul 29 – Yuzama, JP – Fuji Rock Festival

Aug 2 – Melbourne, AU – 170 Russell

Aug 3 – Melbourne, AU – 170 Russell

Aug 5 – Brisbane, AU – Eatons Hill Hotel

Aug 6 – Adelaide, AU – Hindley Street Music Hall

Aug 7 – Sydney, AU – Roundhouse

Aug 11 – Auckland, NZ – Powerstation

Aug 19 – Portland, OR – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

Aug 20 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheater

Aug 23 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheater

Aug 24 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheater

Aug 26 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion

Aug 27 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

Aug 30 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

Sep 1 – Del Valle, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater

Sep 2 – Houston, TX –The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman

Sep 6 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

Sep 7 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

Sep 9 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach

Sep 10 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

Sep 12 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater 

Sep 14 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

Sep 15 – Camden, NJ – Waterfront Music Pavilion

Sep 17 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater

Sep 18 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

Sep 20 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview

Sep 21 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake**

Sep 23 – Scranton, PA – Pavilion at Montage Mountain

Sep 24 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium

Sep 27 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater**

Sep 28 –Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

Sep 30 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

Oct 1 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

Oct 4 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center

Oct 5 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

Oct 7 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater - Summerfest Grounds

Oct 8 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

Oct 10 – Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

Oct 12 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP

Oct 14 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

Oct 15 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheater

Oct 26 – Oslo, NO – Sentrum Scene 

Oct 28 – Stockholm, SE – Fryshuset Arenan

Oct 29 – Goteborg, SE – Gothenburg Studios

Oct 31 – Copenhagen, DK – The Grey Hall

Nov 1 – Arhus C, DK – Train

Nov 3 – Berlin, DE – Metropol

Nov 4 – Gdansk, PL – B90 Club

Nov 5 – Warsaw, PL – Progresja

Nov 7 – Krakow, PL – Klub STUDIO

Nov 8 – Budapest, HU – Akvarium Klub

Nov 9 – Wien, AT – Gasometer

Nov 11 – Kralovske Vinohrady, CZ – Mala Sportovni Hala

Nov 12 – Zurich, CH – Volkshaus Zurich

Nov 13 – Milan, IT – Alcatraz

Nov 15 – Lyon 01, FR – Transbordeur

Nov 17 – Madrid, ES – La Paqui

Nov 18 – Barcelona, ES – La Salamandra

Nov 20 – Ramonville-st-agne, FR – Le Bikini

Nov 21 – Brussels, BE – Ancienne Belgique

Nov 22 – Tilburg, NL – Poppodium

Nov 24 – Cologne, DE – Live Music Hall

Nov 25 – Paris, FR – Casino de Paris

Nov 27 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg

Nov 28 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Academy

Nov 30 – Leeds, UK – Stylus

Dec 1 – Nottingham, UK – Rock City

Dec 2 – Cardiff, UK – Cardiff University Students’ Union

Dec 3 – Birmingham, UK – 02 Institute

Dec 5 – Dublin, IE – 30lympia Theatre

Dec 6 – Belfast, UK – Ulster Hall

Dec 7 – Glasgow, UK – SWG3 Poetry Club

Dec 9 – London, UK – Roundhouse 

**5FDP, THE HU, and Fire From The Gods only

 

See full list of the band’s upcoming live shows and ticket information at https://www.thehuofficial.com/tour-1.   

### 

 

About THE HU

In 2019, an NPR story put a spotlight on “a band from Mongolia that blends the screaming guitars of heavy metal and traditional Mongolian guttural singing,” accurately highlighting the cultural importance and unique musical identity of THE HU. Founded in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, THE HU, Gala, Jaya, Temka, and Enkush, are a modern rock group rooted in the tradition of their homeland. The band’s two most popular videos, “Yuve Yuve” and “Wolf Totem,” were produced by the band’s producer Dashka. The band’s name translates to the Mongolian root word for human being, and their unique approach blends instruments like the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), Tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), Tumur Khuur (jaw harp) and throat singing with contemporary sounds, creating a unique sonic profile that they call “Hunnu Rock.”

 

Their debut album, 2019 ‘s The Gereg, debuted at #1 on the World Album and Top New Artist Charts. With it, the band have accumulated over 250 million combined streams and video views to date and have received critical acclaim from the likes of Billboard, NPR, GQ, The Guardian, The Independent, Revolver, and even Sir Elton John himself.

 

Proving their global appeal, THE HU have sold out venues across the world in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, with scheduled festival appearances at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Download Festival, and more, creating a community of fans from all walks of life. They quickly grabbed the attention of the industry, leading to collaborations with Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach and Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. And most recently, the band received praise from fans and critics for their Mongolian rendition of Metallica’s “Sad But True,” which Metallica picked up on and invited them to record ‘Through The Never’ for their Metallica Blacklist album released in 2021 alongside other high-profile guest artists like Miley Cyrus, Chris Stapleton, Phoebe Bridgers, J Balvin, St. Vincent, and so many more. The band has also explored eclectic ways to reach audiences with their sound, most notably writing and recording music for EA Games’ Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

 

Readying their next chapter as a global force, THE HU are putting the finishing touches on their highly anticipated sophomore album, which is due for a global release later this year from Better Noise Music. THE HU will tour with Five Finger Death Punch and Megadeth starting August 19^th 2022.

 

Connect with THE HU

Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

Colin Blunstone celebrates The Zombies' enduring power ahead of Pappy and Harriet's concert

Who: The Zombies, Rooney

Where: Pappy and Harriet's, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown, CA

When: July 21, 2022 (doors open at 6 p.m.; show at 8 p.m.)

Information: pappyandharriets.com

Colin Blunstone performing with The Zombies at Abbey Road
Studios in London on Sept. 18, 2021.
Photo: Jules Annan

Ahead of The Zombies' forthcoming headlining performance at Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown on July 21, lead singer Colin Blunstone discussed the enduring power of the pioneering English rock troupe. Blunstone — who celebrated his 77th birthday on June 24 — remains one of rock music's greatest vocalists and is as passionate about making music today as he was when the Zombies were formed more than 60 years ago.

When the Zombies perform in the California high desert on July 21, they will perform their beloved 1960s material as well as top-tier songs from recent albums and their not-yet-titled ninth studio album.

"It’s finished, actually – it was finished about 8-10 weeks ago," Blunstone said of the group's forthcoming album in a recent interview. 

"We’ve already been to America once this year – mostly on the East Coast. Just before we landed for that first tour (of 2022) — we flew on the 26^th of March and the album was finished in that week before we left. So it’s completely finished. I don’t have a release date and I don’t even have a title. I do know the album is finished and it’s interesting because we realized that we like to record with everyone in the studio at the same time... It just gives you that extra energy that we’re playing off one another’s performances." 

The Zombies, from left, are keyboardist Rod Argent, bassist Søren Koch, singer
Colin Blunstone, drummer Steve Rodford and guitarist Tom Toomey.
Photo: Jules Annan

In addition to Blunstone and original keyboardist-vocalist Rod Argent, the Zombies lineup includes drummer Steve Rodford, guitarist Tom Toomey and bassist Søren Koch. Because the Zombies record in the studio together, the pandemic impacted the process of completing their latest album.

"Because of the pandemic it wasn’t really that easy," Blunstone said of the effort to complete a follow-up to the acclaimed 2015 album Still Got That Hunger. "None of us live close to one another in the U.K. And our bass player Søren Koch actually lives in Denmark. There were only specific times we could get together because a lot of the times in those first two years it was very difficult. You weren’t really allowed to mix (together) in a studio situation. So one way or another, we managed to get an album done. We’re really excited about it."

The Zombies previewed several of the new songs in their only appearance of 2021, a global livestream of their concert live from Abbey Road Studios. That concert event was filmed and is now available as a CD+DVD release titled "The Zombies Live From Studio Two"; the title is available for sale exclusively at the band's concert dates.

The upcoming date in Pioneertown will mark the Zombies' first-ever appearance at legendary Pappy and Harriet's.

"I have heard of the reputation of this place and how unusual it is. I’m very much looking forward to going there," Blunstone said.

Colin Blunstone, seen second from right in this 1960s photo, is
with (from left) bassist Chris White, keyboardist Rod Argent, the late guitarist Paul Atkinson and drummer Hugh Grundy. Photo courtesy of The Zombies

The Zombies' original run lasted from their formation in 1961 until they completed the recording of their 1968 masterwork Odessey and Oracle (the album was ranked number 100 on Rolling Stones' 2012 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time). Incredibly, the group returned in 1999 and has now soared to new heights that included their well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. Blunstone admits he is amazed at the band's celebrated second act.

"I’ve learned in the music business that you never know what’s gonna happen. And literally, anything can happen anytime. You’re quite right. The Zombies first got together in ’61 and we finished in ’67. So I think it was about (another) year before ‘Time Of The Season’ was a hit in the States. Kind of strange that it was a hit a year after the band ceased to exist. 

"With this band what happened really was I had a solo band and my keyboard player – a lovely bloke, a great player – he had an Achilles Heel in that if anybody asked him to play a concert of his songs he would just go off and just forget about all these other obligations. So I kept showing up to concerts and not having a keyboard player. I had six dates left on a tour and I thought, I’ll just take a chance and see if Rod (Argent) would do these six dates. He was very much involved as a producer at that time. He was having a lot of success and I had no idea if the thought of playing live again would appeal to him and I think he had mixed feelings but he said to me ‘I’ll do those six dates but I think that will probably be enough for me.’ And he really enjoyed it. Who would know from a chance phone call that we would be touring again for the next twentysomething years – 23 years."

Colin Blunstone at the Greek
Theatre in September 2018.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The Zombies continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans with their luxurious and signature style of psychedelic rock that is fused with jazz and baroque pop elements. Indeed, the band was invited to open for Arcade Fire at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in September 2018 (read a review of that concert HERE).

"One of the things that really excites us is the new songs get the same sort of reaction as the classic hits, and – also – we can see the people are singing the words to the new songs and that really lifts us when we realize that," Blunstone noted. 

"I think from my point of view the most exciting time for me in the Zombies has been seeing this band grow just through touring and playing live – because we haven’t been particularly active in the charts – just word of mouth through our live performances seeing this band grow from a band playing in rooms in the back of pubs to playing really big venues. It has been definitely the most exciting and fulfilling part of my life to see this band – the second incarnation of The Zombies – to see them grow in the way they have." 

For more information on The Zombies, visit the band's official website at TheZombiesMusic.com.