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Zello — Zello
(Ad Perpetuam Memoriam APM 9614 AT, 1996, CD)

Zello Cover art

Zello are newcomers though their founder, vocalist and chief songwriter P-O Saether, has been lurking in the Swedish prog scene since the late 70s. After Saether finally assembled the necessary musicians, Zello's debut CD was put together in relatively short order and is now out on Ad Perpetuam Memoriam. The band features two keyboard players and a violinist besides the drums and bass and no guitar. Apparently Saether became intrigued with the concept of a guitarless prog band after hearing the UK live album Night After Night. This is an indication of the overall direction of Zello. The opening instrumental track, "Overture" kicks off with some searing electric violin, a la Eddie Jobson, and features growling Emerson-esque Hammond. The next tune, "Faerie Queen," settled immediately into very strong Kansas-ish territory (and unfortunately features some uncomfortably corny lyrics). The rest of the CD follows a pattern of short solo instrumental introductions (featuring keys or violin) followed by very mainstream and accessible pop-rock songs with strong symphonic leanings. These are obviously very talented players and the overall production is top notch. The second Zello album is in the works and will reportedly incorporate guitar as well as folk influences which I think will help stretch the material into more interesting and unpredictable directions. Fans of Kansas or Danger Money era UK will probably like this band and, while they have a great sound, I found them a mite too safe and derivative. The follow up should be worth a look.

by Paul Hightower, Published 1998-02-01

With their fourteenth release, Swedish label APM (Akasha, Hoyry-kone, others) presents de-facto evidence of the influence of Kansas on progressive rock.  Recorded in recent years from past (70s) and recent material, Zello pays homage to Kansas (a giant of underappreciated American progressive rock) without crossing over the line to become a completely derivative album. Zello is the brainchild of singer P-O Saether (vocals in English). But it is also a solid six-piece, including stunning violinist Lennart Glenberg and minus any guitarist (or Mellotron player, for a fresh change... ). Remindful of Robby Steinhardt and Eddie Jobson, Glenberg paces the changing moods, including some exciting solos. Several brief interludes appear on the album, with atmospheres reminiscent of White Willow, for instance. Overall, Saether cites Jethro Tull, Kaipa, Kansas, UK, and Yes as inspiration, but the predominant influence is Kansas. There are stylistically similar passages and titles to Kansas and Kerry Livgren songs of several eras, in many of the album’s twelve, comparatively compact songs... too many instances to list here! Kansas fans should recognize and enjoy them all. Finally, the release has appropriate and attractive packaging (colored similar to Yes’ Close to the Edge), courtesy of, among others, Anna Sofi Dahlberg of Anekdoten. Zello is a promising debut. Expect a more original follow-up (with a guitarist and other different instruments), retaining and building upon the progressive nature of the music as part of the ongoing Scandinavian prog renaissance.

by J.J. Warren, Published 1998-02-01

Filed under: New releases, Issue 14, 1996 releases

Related artist(s): Zello

 

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