The Ziggens -The Ziggens
2002 / 56:52 Minutes / 14 Tracks / Studio/ CD
Release Date: October 15,2002 - Cornerstone R.A.S.
Produced by: Eddie Ashworth
Website:

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on October 17, 2002

The Ziggens is a surprisingly melodic band that is big on pop songs. One would never suspect that this strange looking band with the little label contract would have such a huge sound. The Ziggens, with the fashionable Ramones styled naming conventions but with their own styled expressions, conjures songs that urge you to push the replay button several times.

Having been around since 1986, The Ziggens have provided its audience with the kind of punk that is danceable and intriquing. Orange County punk, a surf/punk hybrid that bridges happy times with suburban angst, have provided a nice menu of bands. The Ziggens factor in as a selection off the main course due largely to their fresh approach and gag filled music. Using sound bites as intro to some songs, The Ziggens create interesting music.

This disc is a carnival of songs that run the gamut from fun skate rat tunes to very good pop songs. With the occasional country & western flavours mixed in, the disc becomes a multifusion of every style. The musicianship of Ziggens is that of a highly skilled band that knows exactly where it wants to be at any given place in time and lyrical brilliance make this collection a work not to be ignored.

Vocally, the band is able to present their songs in a pleasant way. You have many punk bands that have to growl their way through their material but this is not the case with Ziggens' shared talents. Their song writing capabilities rival top notch bands while their lyrical output is on a par with the top echelon, maybe surpassing some of them.

The pop strength of "Pistol Pete" and the rockabilly tones of "I Fought The Lawn"; the C&W 'cry in your beer' of "That Kinda Man" and the moshe pit punk of "Temptation " show the able ability of The Ziggens to deliver a package of pure delight that will please fans and convert the uninitiated.

DISC

With a mix that is put together by Eddie Ashworth who has produced Sublime, Pennywise, Unwritten Law, and others, the sound is excellent. The instruments are treated as individual parts of the recording and therefore mixed in uniquely. When the mix calls for wall of sound punk, it's provided. If the song is a ballad, the tenderness is brought forward. A delightfully sounding disc that doesn't 'hurt'.

PACKAGING

A six page foldout booklet that provides lyrics, art, photos, and credits in a compressed format. Nice touch that adds 'punk' to the stamp. It works.

THE FINAL SAY

I'll tell you now. Upon receiving this disc, I was a little wary. Many punk bands mimic each other to the point that their import is lost due to the 'noise'. Not so with this disc. This is a recommended purchase. A champ of an album.

Search Tour Database by: Artist City Venue