Zeus / Say Us

Zeus
Say Us
(Arts and Crafts)

Zeus has been a bit quiet of late. Since a young lad called JC came along, nobody seems to subscribe to the whole ‘multiple deity’ understanding of things. It’s just a shame he’s had to put out an album to attract attention to himself again. Hang on, say what? That’s not what this is? Ahhh, my mistake.
No, it turns out this Zeus began life as Jason Collet’s (Broken Social Scene) backing band – and thankfully they’ve made a superb record which offers a great deal of diversity.
The album features layers, harmonies and dollops of Americana along with some bona fide crackers thrown in to the mix – and that’s not to mention the fact they’ve got three singers.
LP highlight ‘Kindergarten’ is good enough to warrant playing over and over, containing explosive piano driven chorus, lush harmonies, a ‘Back in the USSR’ style rhythm and a crescendo ending; “We got fire within us!” they bleet, and you wouldn’t disagree.
‘The Renegade’ builds up to a bar room sing-along complete with drunken handclaps, while the jilted Johnny cash-esque clip clop guitar of ‘River by the garden” morphs into Gram Parsons territory. Later on, ‘You Gotta Tell’er’ slaps you in the chops with its stabbing organ and some serious heavy riffing. It simply keeps you guessing.