EGZOZ’s debut full-length album, “Smoking Jacket,” offers a captivating and immersive listening experience. With the infusion of various music genres and a nod to the past while simultaneously maintaining a contemporary sound, “Smoking Jacket” is a remarkable addition to the post-punk scene. Divided into two sides, “Gündüz” (daytime) and “Gece” (nighttime), the album explores various themes and emotions. Each side offers a profoundly detailed sound that will satisfy even the pickiest listeners. One of the defining aspects of “Smoking Jacket” is EGZOZ’s ability to seamlessly blend different music genres. While the foundation of their sound lies in post-punk, listeners will also notice elements borrowed from classic punk rock, art punk, garage punk, and garage rock. This eclectic blend of influences adds depth and complexity to their music, making it a truly unique listening experience.
The guitar work on this album is particularly noteworthy. Chris Sollars skillfully employs classic post-punk sonic maneuvers, such as chopped chord progressions and abrasive riffs, while also showcasing jaw-dropping virtuosities. These guitar-driven compositions create a sense of urgency and raw energy that are characteristic of the genre. His contribution adds depth and clarity to the overall sound, enhancing the impact of the music. Erdem Eroğlu drives the album forward, providing groove, pace, and stability with his energetic and well-accentuated beats. His rhythmic performance, alongside impressive breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics, adds another layer of dynamic intensity to the album. Archie McKay maintains a calm and melodic approach throughout most of the album, but there are moments where powerful shoutouts burst forth, adding a touch of aggression and intensity. Also, the back vocals play a significant role in enhancing particular sequences, further enriching the overall sound. “Smoking Jacket” manages to strike a delicate balance between fresh and unique sound while also invoking a sense of nostalgia. The album draws inspiration from the late seventies, eighties, and nineties post-punk and punk rock, resulting in a captivating blend of contemporary and retro elements.
The album also features eye-peeling artwork of the tailored smoking jacket made from a scanned and enlarged cigarette pack. It has been designed by EGZOZ’s guitar player Chris Sollars and documented by photographer Emre Başak. This design perfectly encapsulates the album title, but also matches everything the band tried to achieve with their music. It’s good to mention that Smoking Jacked comes on a smoke-clear vinyl, so the band thought about everything while making this record. This material exemplifies EGZOZ’s talent, creativity, and exceptional musicianship. “Smoking Jacket” demands the attention of the global post-punk community because it offers a collection of thought-provoking and sonically captivating songs that will suit even the pickiest fans of the genre. Head to the Bandcamp page of the Object Records for more information about ordering.
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