Zombie Zombie - Funk Kraut (2025)

'Funk Kraut', Zombie Zombie's second LP on Born Bad is a fine example of the style the trio has been embodying: instrumental music played live, for synths and drums. The album kicks off with 'No cruise control', a big bad sedan that effortlessly eats up the distance at 120 BPM. Kraut as can be, with a twist. And as far as funk goes, it's not Bootsy Collins, but there's a whiff. Space is structured by synth patterns, for optimized drumming: forward, straight and fluid, top-notch suspension (Cosmic Neman and Dr Schoonberg take care of business on drums). They treat themselves to a diversion via Darmstadt to take some musique concrete on board: mechanical birds chirp, the odd atonal piano here and there. Nerds will appreciate liner notes detailing the equipment used: about twenty synths and they still describe it as minimal.

This was a quick affair, recorded by Laurent Deboisgisson in the studio of Cheveu's singer. A pretty straightforward job, and a far cry from their previous concept album. Let us praise Krikor Kouchian's mix: drums have been resampled with some restraint, and that LinnDrum kick lightens up the overall mix. It marks a notable evolution in the band's sound and adds some dynamic.

The cover, designed by DDDXIE, sets the tone with its reference to 'Motorik Vibes & Stereo Grooves'.