CD review: Zap Dragon and the Attack create ‘Pain Waves’

“Pain Waves” is the debut full-length CD from local Orlando band Zap Dragon and the Attack. The 11 song CD is an engaging amalgamation of punk rock and folk with a sprinkling of other genres. The band’s songs embody the true spirit of indie music, not conforming to any specific genre or style, but rather music that is created from true inspiration and the joy of the artistry.

Musically, there is so much going on in each song that it takes several listens to appreciate the complexity of the songs. The CD’s opening song, “Sicko,” is a terrific example of the mixing genres and how well they blend in the song with a smooth musical groove topped by shouted vocals. Many of the rest of the songs feature a prominent bass groove and steady beats with really varied guitar riffs running from dizzying and intense to somber, sometimes within the same song.

Most of the lyrics to the songs on “Pain Waves” encompass traditional themes such as relationships, politics, religion, perceptions and social issues with the attitude and frankness of punk rock, but without a heavy, dismal tone. On “Dead Feelings” David Zimlinghaus (lead vocals) sings about a break-up, “I’m not one of your pseudo hipster yes men.” On “Life Out West” he sings “I guess the world’s at war with everyone, now the revolutions have begun” and later in the same song he sings “So I’ll just slide my Ray-Bans on and blend into the scene.”

Music fans will find a lot to like in the diverse songs on “Pain Waves.”

The CD release show for Zap Dragon and the Attack is Saturday, February 16 at Wills Pub in Orlando with The Woolly Bushmen and Alias Punch. Music fans can check out the local Orlando band on Facebook and Bandcamp.