COLD COMING

If you're looking for entertaining progressive rock music, Chicago's ZIP TANG are a recommended choice indeed. Definitely experienced, since this will be album number six in the meanwhile, wow. Although, after all, their first concept album on the other side. 'She Sleeps Beneath The Fullerton Bridge' advises the cover illustration, provided yet again in a somewhat surreal, collage-like layout. Hence this is dealing with 'the journey of a girl from the near west side of Chicago, born of a mother of no means, in dire straits and with little hope of making it out of her circumstance', like the band sums it up. So this is taken from the middle of life somehow, this especially given the current times of pandemic, growing poverty and lack of perspective. As the named bridge indeed exists, even may show some real references.

Concerning the line up we will hear Fred Faller on the drums again with a solid contribution as expected. Due to Andrew Bunk though they are having a new bassist in the ranks. And his first dedication is to offer a punchy bass line for the ultimate lift-off. Perry Merritt, as usual, rules with all the other necessary duties, which also includes song writing and the sound mix. Eh, if I'll get it right, Marcus Padgett does not appear as an official band member anymore, since 2015 at least. But he can't release, you may see it like that. Or, the other way round, they can't make the next move without having him involved. Anyhow, it's a benefit either way, he will add some nice jazzy glimpes to the fold with his saxophone, that counts. Now, continuing the opened story, Marie finds herself alone and forgotten. And that's where her odyssey begins ... The lyrics are encrypted, overall formatted in rhymes, which makes it rather difficult for me when it comes to this part of the show.

Transmigration - one or two may feel the 'Cold Coming'. Physically, winter in Chicago is said to be rather heavy. As well as mentally in the same way. According to the conceptual context this is quite a challenge, I mean to deliver enjoyable rock music songs anyhow. Though it works, really. Divided in three sections, the brilliant title track proves that, rounds it all up. Please reserve enough time for this masterpiece especially. Beware of Dystopia! Surrender? No way! I'm losing my fear, as long as such albums will appear on the scene again and again. 'Cold Coming' marks a wonderful Heavy Prog work, melodic moments all over the place, but also provided with enough rough edges. Stylistically let's say similar to the band Tiles, if you're asking for some reference. Definitely recommended, easily to check on their bandcamp page.