Rating: 9 / 10 Stars
A-Z is: Ray Alder (vocals), Mark Zonder (drums), Philip Bynoe (bass), Joop Wolters (guitar), Vivien Lalu (keys)
REVIEW – Mark Zonder, the renowned former drummer for Fates Warning and Warlord, had a very clear idea for the band he intended to form when he began writing in early 2020.
A-Z is the result, and while Zonder is adamant that it is not a supergroup doing a “one and done” record, it has a stellar lineup, reuniting him with Fates Warning vocalist Ray Alder, Warlord/Steve Vai/Ring of Fire bassist Philip Bynoe, guitarist Joop Wolters, and keyboardist Vivien Lalu, the combination of these players stirring a very specific kind of magic that could not be
Zonder sent drum patterns and grooves to initially re-recruit Lalu, and he wrote songs utilizing guitar sounds, so that between the two of them, they had basic song structures rather soon. Zonder knew Bynoe would join because they have a long relationship and mutual respect, and Lalu had recruited Wolters for the band after working with him for years. Both Wolters and Lalu contributed excellent musical concepts that were developed into tunes. No twelve-minute songs were permitted, nor were shorter songs that went straight to the chorus; everyone found it easy to adhere to this directive. Finding the appropriate singer was the most difficult component of the project, since everything else fell into place easily.
The results are clear, from the high-octane smasher “The Machine Gunner” to the exquisite swing of “Rise Again” and the towering “Stranded,” each track an anthem that feels as if it could only fit in the largest venues.
The record was tracked all over the world, in the United States, Spain, France, and the Netherlands, with everyone recording in their own home studios, with the exception of Bynoe, who recorded at Zonder’s Moorpark, CA studio, and sending each other the files to add their parts. Zonder produced it, recognizing that someone had to “steer the bus,” and it was a simple procedure, as evidenced by the fact that everyone participating is having a blast.
Robbie Wyckoff, a friend of Zonder’s, also performed backing vocals, as the drummer wished to “bring in the 70s-80s plush background vocal sound” to the band. However, there are no other guests on the album. This is a group. These are excellent players, thus no further players are necessary. “I did not believe that bringing in famous actors was necessary to help market this. I comprehend the rationale, yet I enjoy the band concept.” Zonder is confident that this is the best-sounding song he has ever produced, as Simone Mularoni performed an outstanding job mixing.
The band’s name was suggested by Alder [A-Z = Alder through Zonder and it was an instant fit.
Artwork-wise, they sought out the legendary Hugh Syme (Rush, Fates Warning) in an effort to once more secure the best possible contributor; Syme supplied the striking image of a zebra devouring an apple, cleverly embracing the bands name.
The band intends to tour in support of the album despite the fact that it is difficult to book an unknown act, and even though they’re already starting work on album number two, Zonder is mindful that they’ve dedicated themselves completely to their debut.
The album’s opening song, “Trail By Fire,” showcases the force of A-Z’s music. The song features fantastic music and vocals that will get any listener on their feet, yelling, and pumping their fists in excitement. The following track, “The Far Side of the Horizon,” will transport listeners to a fantastical realm. The third song, “The Machine Gunner,” has a memorable melody that will transport listeners to their subconscious. The next track, “Rise Again,” is a hazy number that will cause listeners to daydream. Track five, “Window Panes,” is a head-banging, fist-pumping jam that will have listeners moving to the beat.
“Run Away,” the album’s sixth tune, has superb drumming, tremendous bass, soaring keyboards, blistering leads, and fantastic vocals. If you close your eyes and let the music wrap your senses, the following track, “Stranded,” will transport you to a time and place when your memories are all that matter. The following song, “At The Waters Edge,” provides soothing vocals and melodies that transport listeners to a bygone era. The next track, titled “Borrowed Time,” is a prog rock anthem that will the midst of a musical haze. The final track, “The Silence Broken,” will have everyone dancing, singing, and having a great time.
