ZOOLOOK’s STONEFRENGE: Black in Space: A Cosmic Fusion of Sound, Story, and Imagination
It has been some time since I encountered such a rich blend of diversity and creativity in an electronic music release. ZOOLOOK® has truly captivated audiences with his album STONEFRENGE: Black in Space, offering not just a new musical experience but also a visual journey to envision and enjoy simultaneously. Allow me to elaborate further below.
Musically, this album features nine tracks that showcase a rich variety of downtempo, chillout, and ambient elements, infused with creative electronic techniques. It also incorporates clever influences from reggae, dub, and even funk. I appreciated how each track unfolds at its own pace, a refreshing change from the hurried nature of many recent electronic releases. The melodies and beats are essential to the album’s success; they are thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented. Additionally, I must commend the mixing and mastering, which are truly remarkable.
While enjoying STONEFRENGE: Black in Space, you’ll observe that the San Francisco-based artist draws significant inspiration from legendary figures like Depeche Mode, Jean-Michel Jarre, Kraftwerk, Moby, Kitaro, and Hans Zimmer. However, what stands out is how he incorporates his unique qualities into the music, creating a distinct sound that reflects both homage and individuality.
Now, envision an exciting new realm of music creation that features a narrative about guardians of the galaxy facing earthly dangers. Absolutely! Soul Rebels serve as our animated hero, teaming up with their partner ROXANNE to safeguard our galaxy, alongside HAL-LE, the AI Astronaut Assistant for the SR-420 spacecraft. This concept is truly UNIQUE!
The concept is based on a video as the first of a series of animated music videos featuring ZOOLOOK and his partner, ROXANNE, as animated characters called Soul Rebels. These characters are employed by a top-secret organization called IRIE (Intergalactic Rebels for Interstellar Exploration) that monitors terrestrial threats. They travel the galaxy in their spacecraft called the SR-420, protecting the Universe from the SKUM (Terrestrial Threats) of the Earth.
ZOOLOOK highlighted that the standout tracks from the album are “Natural High” and “Rockers,” while “We Come in Peace (And Love)” stands out as a personal favourite. After listening to the album, I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment. It’s not often that I find myself writing a review where I have no criticisms about the music. In conclusion, ZOOLOOK is not only an exceptionally talented artist but, mark my words, will soon emerge as one of the most influential figures in our contemporary music scene. Cheers to that!