Reviews:

THE ZIPS: DumbStruck EP (Tenement Toons)

The Zips have been around for #ahem# a few years now, but now have a bright new EP (well it’s new to me but it’s been out almost a year) complete with a striking zipped Marilyn Monroe image.

The first song and stand-out track is Whodunnit a clever conspiracy theory pop tune about the aforementioned blonde bombshell and her doomed relationship with a certain American President, ‘happy birthday Mr. President’ indeed!

Not in our name the next song attacks a more current American President and our own Mr. Blair. Govern Meant then continues the political theme questioning what Governments are meant to do versus what they actually do.

Been there too completes the EP and breaks the political theme with a song about fractured romance with a nice sharp guitar intro that more than echo’s the old rock standard Can’t Explain, but it’s a good intro so worth revisiting!

Good quality lyrical catchy poppy punk from Scotland that deserves to be heard but probably won’t.

Review by: (www.audiolectmusic.com)

THE ZIPS: DumbStruck EP (Tenement Toons)

The Zips are a long time band out of Scotland. You can hear their early works on some Bloodstains and Powerpearls compilations. As a lot of bands have done in the wake of a resurgence of interest in punk bands of the day, the Zips have reformed to write new tunes for your listening pleasure. The four songs on this excellent EP would fall in the realm of power pop with great melodic hooks and all of the 70's style retained. Their magic is in the songs. Fans of bands like Generation X and the Records will appreciate the Zips.

Review by: (www.punk-information.com)

THE ZIPS: DumbStruck EP (Tenement Toons)

This is their latest release and it's available now. The info says seventies noiseniks, the zips, old enough to know better, but not dumb enough to keep their mouths shut. This 4 track cd offering covers socio-politico-proto-punk and deals with Marilyn Monroe to Tony Blair, via dead presedents, past and present. What does this mean I hear you say, well it means that it's good! they remind me of a cross between TV Smith and the Clash (in their slower moments), but don't take my word for it get in touch with them and have a listen for yourselves.
4 out of 5
Review by Steff (www.punkoiuk.co.uk/reviews)


THE ZIPS: DumbStruck EP (Tenement Toons)

Good to see, with all the current Bush criticism that Kennedy's presidency's not been forgotten,
'Whodunnit' being a rumbustuous punk rock snarl straight outta '77.
Though 'Not In Our Name' is slap bang up to date politically,
if not musically, with its Ramones-y chorus.
The spirit of The Clash is clearly present on 'GovernMeant' and
Been There Too', a couple more bits of righteous rage from these angry (not so) young men.

Stuart McHugh - www.isthismusic.com

Back to reviews