ZOPP

ZOPP is the project of multi-instrumentalist Ryan Stevenson out of the UK. Ryan wrote, mixed and produced this album and the band is basically a duo with drummer Andrea Moneta rounding out the lineup. Ryan plays a variety of keyboards that is quite impressive including mellotron but he also adds field recordings, noises, guitar and bass.

There are several guests adding their talents like THE TANGENT's Andy Tillison adding additional organ and piano to a couple of tracks along with Leslie processing on three numbers, effects on two tracks and synths on one tune. Andy also helped produce it and he also engineered and mastered this record. Mike Benson adds sax to the closer while Theo Travis plays flute on one song and finally Caroline Joy Clarke adds vocal expressions to three songs.

I am still surprised this was picked as the collaborator's album of the year for 2020. I feel it's a very solid 4 stars and I love the sound of it but the melodies aren't sticking with me like old school Canterbury for some reason. Ryan's dad's favourite album is "The Rotters' Club" so he comes with this love for Canterbury quite honestly. Ryan thanks among others Dirk Campbell and EGG, DUNGEN, ANEKDOTEN, Frank Zappa, SOFT MACHINE, NATIONAL HEALTH and HATFIELD AND THE NORTH.

The two tracks that did stick with me were the short 1 1/2 minute opener "Swedish Love" for those female vocal melodies and NATIONAL HEALTH-like sound and also "V" and that one for the mellotron. Those two stood out and continue to do so. Love how that mellotron comes and goes on "V" and then some electric piano before 3 minutes really adds to the enjoyment. If I had to pick a third track for a top three it would be "Being And Time" for the sound of the guitar and melancholic vibe. I'll also mention the closer "The Noble Shirker" which is a great title and the longest song at almost 9 1/2 minutes as also being a highlight.

Lots to like about this record and that overall sound is pure old school Canterbury. Some distorted keyboards at times but I would have like more. The mellotron though is a really nice touch and the fact that he thanks ANEKDOTEN is so cool. Strongly recommended and when I first got this cd I didn't know Andy Tillison was part of it until looking at the pictures in the liner notes and exclaiming "That's Andy Tillison in that plaid shirt!".