The Cla-Zels Are Back

(CINCINNATI, OH) Fleetwood Mac on steroids, The Cla-Zels feature both boy and girl lead singer/songwriters, who blend vocal harmonies with diverse elements of rock, country, blues and funk. Showcasing instrumental jamming while emphasizing strong songwriting and melody, the quartet is “a modern day incarnation of the best of male and female-led vocal rock bands of the 1960s and 1970s (Cole Christiansen).” Band members include Jason Erickson- Lead Guitar / Vocals, Joanie Whittaker- Rhythm Guitar / Vocals, Chris Barlow- Bass, Brian “Gigs” Baverman- Drums. Their latest 12 Track effort is entitled “Set Your Ray to Stun.”  

The CD lifts off the ground nicely with rocking intro piece “Stone Mary”.  This song serves up infectious rocked out guitars painted against mesmerizing vocals from Whittaker with hypnotic lyrical content and driving rock rhythms that quickly lead you by the hand down the path of rocked out yet melodic musical indulgence. Track 2 “Why Cry” keeps things rocking with its impressive guitar ambience, hard hitting groove, in your face duel vocals from Whittaker and Erickson painted against a grand mosaic of vivid sound. The striking musical flow of this piece brilliantly moves like an ocean across the ears. Track 3 “Kiss Hello” is an impressive methodical piece that is quite dynamic, full of tasty musical syncopation and dynamic musical peaks and valleys that flow and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. All in all one of my favorite pieces on the CD. This piece is remarkably striking to the ears as well with its Alternative Hard Rock touches and hypnotic vibe. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of a classic Superchunk, Hole, Liz Phair, Supergrass, Garbage, L7, Berlin and No Doubt on steroids. I would classify this music as Alternative Hard Rock with a melodic flair. I can also hear experimental type music with classic remnants of the rocked out glory days on the 80’s and 90’s. The CD presents brilliant flashes of theatrical rocked out ambience and all things rock n’ roll related. You will also straight forward 4 piece delivery layered along the way full of soaring guitar dynamics, a few well-placed harmonies, low end rhythm section, hard hitting rhythm section and infectious melodies. I really enjoyed the R&B style guitar and solo playing from Erickson – very soulful 70’s psychedelic. Focusing now on Whittaker she clearly showcases some impressive singing with impressive power, control, and finesse. With impassioned feel. She’s got a good seductive look behind her acoustic guitar. Erickson only adds fuel to the fire vocally. Together they harmonize well together. The Cla-Zels have clearly proven themselves with this latest release. They all possess solid musical instincts. During my initial research I discovered this band is quite the hot topic around Southern Ohio. Playing live, these lads dish out a cosmic fury and induces the same in their audience. It’s hard, it’s heavy, it’s rock and roll, re-imagined and reinvigorated. That’s what Rock n Roll is all about – pushing the limits right? All engineering aspects check out. CD possess crystal clear high end clarity and thick low end punch. From dynamic “I Am Real” to melodic “Your Suggestion” to Psychedelic “I Am the Fire Owner” to rocking Ben Franklin” and “I Know What you Said”  this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with “Track 12 “Where are You Coming From the perfect finale statement for an EP of this caliber.

I’m not normally a fan on male/female vocal tandems these two pull it off pretty well. I do however wish I heard some more blood curling screams from Whittaker when the music called for it – more intensity and emotion every now and then. All songs over 5 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line. All songs under 3 minutes feel like incomplete statements to me.

The Cla-Zels latest release “Set Your Ray to Stun” is a compelling and consistent musical journey – that pushes hard and just a blast to listen to. These guys pretty much rock the house and are just a blast to listen to. Their strong suit is its amazing rocked out ambience and song for song musical flow. These guys get high marks from me for their somewhat reckless musical approach that will get you rocking. This CD will be a real joy for those listeners out there who want flowing live sounding production to fill their sonic space peacefully and unobtrusively. This almost College Rock format makes for a great “live” experience. I recommend you just hit play, close your eyes and see where the party takes you.  So if you’re looking for a full tilt musical experience with rocked out flair that lets it all hang out then I highly recommend you take a listen to the latest CD from The Cla-Zels right away via the above hyperlink.

Cyrus Rhodes

9/10 Stars

Artist: The Cla-Zels
Album: Set Your Ray to Stun
Label: Independent Artist

Website: http://www.clazels.com/

Genre: Alternative Rock, College Rock, Indie Rock, Hard Rock
Sounds Like: Superchunk, Hole, Berlin, Liz Phair, L7, No Doubt (on steroids), Supergrass, GArbage

Technical Grade: 8/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 8/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: Why Cry, Stone Mary, Ben Franklin
Weakness: More vocal emotion and intensity, A few Short sided Songs, Winded Songs