On their sophomore effort, Zonnis shines once again with their unique take on folk music tradition (9.8)
Combine the musical simplicity and folksy dirges of Pete Seeger with the wit and intellect of Mark Twain and you have something that approximates Zonnis. On Road Living, their second release, Zonnis proves yet again that they are a folk voice that not only deserves to be heard, but practically demands it with the power of their song writing. With lush yet sparse instrumentation and production, Road Living carries on the tradition established with their first release, 2016’s Rise of the Sheep.
It’s no surprise that Zonnis’ two primary members are a married couple; the interweaving and interlocuting vocals and instruments would almost necessitate a level of intimacy inaccessible to anyone but those in a committed relationship. Take for instance the eponymous track, Road Living. With its swerving yet steady guitar and rambunctious yet unwavering vocal part, it’s one of the album’s stand out tracks. Or the light-hearted dirge that closes out the album, the live recording of Everything is Fake (the Flat Earth Song). It is both a welcome treat, a humorous and good-natured song and carries with it a poignant political message. Everything is Fake addresses issues of contemporary society with a biting (yet charming) wit that could be stacked up next to the best of Frank Zappa or the Shy Boyz.
Road Living was released in 2018, but we reviewed it in 2019. Had this album been released this year, it would certainly be a contender for the Album of the Year List, specifically in the folk genre.