We have a new album for you to obsess over: last week, Zulu Pearls released their second LP, entitled, No Heroes No Honeymoons. After lead singer, Zach Van Hoozer moved to Berlin, a transformation happened within the band. This alternative, dance craze, endorphin releasing, groove spewing group from D.C. has found a sound that can keep an audience on their toes. Now Berlin based, Van Hoozer and company are back in the U.S. to breaking down walls and barriers in the Northeast with an appearance at NYC’s famed CMJ Festival.

No Heroes No Honeymoons is honing in on what contemporary popular rock music may need – the continuation of heavily distorted guitars and the reincarnation of riff filled, soloing electric pianos, which was once a great phenomena. The record begins with “Keep it Cool,” a beautiful surf rock, arrhythmic dream sequence. As No Heroes No Honeymoons continues, the Pearls urge listeners to get naked and start a revolution. The second song, “Whatever You Want,” has an identifiable flamenco and reggae feel that you can’t help but thank the Gods of music that Sting is no longer music. 

The smoldering crash and percussion of cymbals in songs like “Play the Hits” and “Magic Tricks” expose a delicate side of Zulu Pearls that is reminiscent of a matured M. Ward. NHNH has an excellent sense of tension and release and slowly introduces to the world the ambiguity of the word “whatever.”

However, at times, NHNH lacks a recognizable emotional arch, but Van Hoozer’s nonchalant vocal style, which is a cross between the mysterious Devendra Banhart and the growl of Dan Auerbach, makes up for it. Zulu Pearls present themselves as “a rotating clique of international vagabonds.” They have a truly unique, multi-genre sound that should not be overlooked. 

If history has taught us anything, you don’t want to miss a band with such a strong melodic and rhythmic sensibility. Check them out while they are in New York this October: 

10/16/12 - Pianos, NYC, “Banners” Party 


10/17/12 - Pianos, NYC, Tell All Your Friends CMJ Showcase 


10/19/12 - Bowery Electric, NYC, Cantora CMJ Showcase

And you can stream the album below, yay for the Interweb!

-DAN MCLANE