Reviewed by Ian Hayter

Zoo Seven is the nom-de-disc of Irish-born Del Currie, now based in California. Del was once part of fondly-remembered Spilt Level and Fono and this project oozes quality and really lifts the listener's spirit. There's plenty here to please fans of Fono, with great guitar sounds and anthemic choruses. It's music on an epic scale, with thunderous drums (courtesy of Andy Ridley) and thumping basslines. The opening "Blink Once" sets out the stall for the rest of the album and there follow nine other songs with memorable hooks and soaring melodies. Most are huge soundscapes which, if there were any justice in the world of rock music, would be constantly on the radio. One or two songs show a subtler side to Mr Currie's writing and playing (notably "Fade In Fade Out"), but this is music to listen to standing up, with the volume turned right up. It's a great set and apparently available as a free download from www.zooseven.com, so you have no excuse for missing out on this gem of an album.

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