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Zan Zone — The Rock Is Still Rollin'
(Bandcamp Randomaxe LPIX006, 2026, CD / DL)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2026-05-20

The Rock Is Still Rollin' Cover art

Zan Burnham and company have taken on a major challenge for their sixth album, which is trying to wrap up the first three decades of rock and roll into a single album across twelve songs. It’s not a concept album, per se, but more of a tribute, though not exactly that either; the songs are definitely influenced by all that went down in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, but everything here is outstandingly original, as only Zan Zone can do. The band this time out is a six-piece, with Burnham on guitar and vocals, and the rhythm section of Marko Djordjevic (drums, vocals) and Saadi Zain (bass, vocals) returning from the previous album Start Where You Stand, as well as the lead singers Angela Watson and the late Phillip Dessinger who passed away in late 2025 after the album sessions had completed. New this time out, from New Zealand, is keyboardist and singer Adrienne McKay, adding another dimension to the group’s sound. Opening the album is an eight-and-a-half minute, six part instrumental opus, seemingly influenced by some of the progressive rock of the late 60s and early 70s, each section with its own subtitle; it’s original enough that one can’t say “oh, that sounds like Yes or Kansas or Crimson,” but one can hear all of the stylistic tendencies, the sudden shifts in power and mood, and the focus on instrumental virtuosity. Of course, that’s this writer’s favorite cut, but there are plenty more superb songs across this disc. Watson sings lead on the southern, swampy “Mama Was a Train Wreck,” a powerful piece that sports plenty of slide guitar soloing. Beginning with a catchy drum figure leading into a Bo Diddley type sound, “Hard to Get” pulls in some early rock and roll influences without sounding at all retro, with a blazing sax solo from guest player Keith Gurland. “Dog Days” features Watson prominently among some strong vocal harmonies, a hook-laden rhythm, and a powerful guitar solo. Zan sings on the memorable torch song “She Left Me,” the latter half embelished with a string section. Like harmonica? There’s plenty to be found on “That Flame,” sounding a bit like a meeting between Judy Collins and Bob Dylan's raspy early harmonica sound. The late 50s spirit and energy of rock and roll comes through loud and clear on “Have Some Fun Tonight,” as Watson and Dessinger trade off leads and harmonize; if there was a candidate for airplay on the album, this would be the one, at least back in 1960! The Rock Is Still Rollin’ is a most diverse album, almost like twelve songs by twelve different bands, but approached with that knowledge, and given a few listens, the listener should find plenty herein to enjoy.

Filed under: New releases, 2026 releases

Related artist(s): Zan Zone

More info
http://zanzone.bandcamp.com/album/the-rock-is-still-rollin

 

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