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Zolof The Rock and Roll Destroyer

Popsicle (2004)
Eyeball Records

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Contributed by: Hein
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on December 21st 2004

This Philadelphia band ends up being one of my nicer discoveries of 2004 in the soft work. Although there's no relevant connection with the harder bands in the punk scene, this band has played with lots of them in the past; an indication maybe for their gutsy approach. In recent years it seems like I have started loving female vocals in punk music. Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer at start had a male singer when they released their debut album on Break Even, but now is fronted by Rachel Minton, a girl with a cute, charming and sunny voice that fits well with the pop-punk sounds that this band provides. Her voice blends very well with the guest vocals of The Starting Line's Kenny Vasoli in the opening track and especially with those of the former Zolof and ex-Saosin singer Anthony in "This Was All A Bad Idea."

If you like Weezer songs with maybe a bit more catchiness and if you're into the Moog-synthesizer sounds of early The Anniversary, this is for sure one you should pick up. The two mentioned songs and "Crazy=Cute" are without a doubt the most interesting and more fun songs, while the calmer and sadder "Popsicle" sounded just a bit too boring to me. Maybe it's inevitable with these kind of releases though. Check them out, this EP to me came as unexpected as a crunchy sweet biscuit.

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Anonymous (February 20, 2006)

These guys (&girl) are pretty damn good. Im glad someone has broken the mold and created something new for a change. Dont get me wrong im all for screaming and the sound of vocal cords tearing, but sometimes its good to go back to something lighter

Anonymous (February 2, 2005)

This is really, really good stuff.

Anonymous (January 9, 2005)

Picture this. You’re in Philly checking out your favorite hardcore/metal band when a group of fresh-faced youngsters take the stage. “A female vocalist? Keyboards?” you think to yourself, “they must be black metal and she must growl like a cougar.” With a name like Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer these assumptions usually wouldn’t be too far off but as they kick into their first number there’s a marked lack of chugging guitars, double bass and ear-piercing vocals. The only thing is, you notice yourself digging it anyway.

Philly scene-staples, Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, lay down a brand of keyboard-driven power pop that’s catchy enough to put a smile on any metal-fans face and talented enough not to make them feel guilty about it in the morning. After the widely successful sophomore release of Jalopy Go Far, they’re back with an EP that’s as sweet as its title. Featuring the sugary vocals of Rachel Minton, they tear through five songs in just under fourteen minutes, leaving listeners begging for more. Opening with “Argh…I’m A Pirate,” a catchy and bubbly tune that wouldn’t sound out of place on Radio Disney, they keep their prior sound intact, showing listeners what perfected moog-rock sounds like. “This Was All a Bad Idea,” an upbeat number featuring guest vocals from Anthony Green (ex-Saosin, ex-Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer,) demands immediate replay while the face-shredding guitar solo on “Crazy=Cute” will leave you awestruck.

As music progresses and avant-garde styles become more prevalent, it’s nice to see a band that realizes the importance of a well-crafted pop song. While they don’t necessarily bring any profoundly new ideas to the table, they succeed in doing what they do best, writing picture perfect pop music for the underground. Now, who wants a Popsicle?

Anonymous (January 9, 2005)

This album rocks Zolof kick ass you should all go out and buy this album NOW and i agree rachen has an awesom voice i'd never get tired of her singing

Anonymous (January 9, 2005)

i love this ep. i think it's funny that they play hardcore & metal shows and the crowd loves them.

Anonymous (December 24, 2004)

The Josie and the Pussycats soundtrack fucking rocks!

Anonymous (December 24, 2004)

"you're thinking of zoloft, with a t."

No one wants to get sued.

Anonymous (December 24, 2004)

This is not transcendental but I like the two songs I've heard.

Anonymous (December 23, 2004)

What the fuck is a "sunny" voice?

Anonymous (December 23, 2004)

no mess no fuss just pure crap

Hein (December 23, 2004)

1. Hein is a Dutch name, not German
2. I agree this was a poor review of me, but well... there's not that much more to tell about a poppy release I guess.
3. I just liked it

Anonymous (December 23, 2004)

nice double post super hero.

-i12e

Anonymous (December 23, 2004)

i12e is supergay.

Anonymous (December 23, 2004)

i like this ep.

-i12e

lou (December 22, 2004)

i agree with the comment about a lack of substance. but i will say that this e.p. is a nice alternative to all the bands attempting to be deep/dark that are oh so very popular these days.

i'm glad someone mentioned the rentals.

PS - eyeball has put out some good stuff, so i really don't know what the hell you're talking about.