ZOPP RETURNS! British progressive rock act, ZOPP, return with their sophomore album ‘DOMINION’, the follow up to their award-winning* self titled album, released in 2020.
‘Dominion’ showcases a clear progression in the sound of Zopp resulting in an epic 42 minute journey spanning avant-garde, jazz, ambient, folk, psychedelic rock and endless heaps of PROG.
Ryan W Stevenson, the man behind Zopp (composer, mixer, producer, performer… heck, basically everything but the drums which have once again been masterfully performed by Leviathan’s Andrea Moneta) recorded the album at his home studio located in the suburbs of Nottingham, UK, over the past 3 years.
To those who have been following Zopp from its inception, there’s one major difference you will notice this time round - there are vocals! Moving on from the instrumental Canterbury Scene infused neo-prog of the first album, Zopp now evolves into a form more reminiscent of Marillion or Yes and yet creates a new, unique and instantly identifiable sound that sets them apart from the rest of the progressive music scene.
Purists, do not worry! Zopp’s fuzzed organ and technical playing style remains present, yet matured. ‘I think it’s more bombastic than the first album.’ States Ryan, ‘Writing a 14 minute progressive piece like ‘Toxicity’ where the song continuously flows was a challenge, but a successful experiment nevertheless. It’s important for me to throw all sorts of elements into the mix, from varied sources of music that are inspiring to me. I’ve really been into bands like King Gizzard and Tame Impala the last few years; not only their psychedelic sound, but also their DIY, independent approach to making music.’
‘DOMINION’ is to be self-released on February 3rd 2023 via their own imprint, Flat Circle Records.
Reviews:
'Dominion is a fantastic release, and it’s an improvement on Zopp’s stellar debut.' (94/100,
TheEliteExtremophile.com).
'These guys have scored another huge hit with DOMINION'. (5/5, SllyPuppy/
Progarchives.com).
'Without a doubt, one of the albums that will make people talk this year. It is already emerging as one of the most outstanding.' (
ProgJazz.org).
'Come on everybody, wondering if we have already bumped into one of the best creations in 2023. Let me say it's not overestimating.' (5/5, DamoXt7942
Progarchives.com)
released February 3, 2023
Ryan W Stevenson: Hammond organ, mellotron, Hohner pianet, piano, electric pianos, acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitar, vocals, Korg ms20, synthesizers, percussion, flute, field recordings, sound design.
Andrea Moneta: Drums and cymbals.
Sally Minnear: Voice (1).
Caroline Joy Clarke: Voice (1,2,7).
Jørgen Munkeby (Shining NO): Tenor sax and flute (3).
Mike Benson: Tenor sax (2).
Rob Milne: Tenor sax and flute (7).
Tomás Figueiredo: French horn (1).
Joe Burns: Gong and additional cymbals (7).
Cover art direction: Ryan W Stevenson.
Cover art originally by Tom Adams.