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Petting Zeus - Petting Zeus

Rating

RIYL

The Felix Culpa
Dolly Trauma
A Perfect Circle
Muse

Tracklist

The Skeletons on Tv
Ya
Kayak
Do Re Mi Fat So
Unchained Melody
Per Verba Transhumanized

Rising out of the blooming Colombus Scene, Petting Zeus serves up a blend of indie rock and alternative rock that could be likened to the bastard child of The Felix Culpa and Dolly Trauma. Those searching for a more mainstream comparison would be happy to note an influence of A Perfect Circle and Muse, but the foundations of their craft essentially lie in the independent scene. Formed in 2000, Petting Zeus is comprised of members Bob and Splat, who have stuck it out through thick and thin to make some excellent music together.

The first four tracks of this EP demonstrate the vision of this band, pulling together a large collection of elements to vocalize its artistic expression. Creeping along with a lethargic mind set, Petting Zeus explodes in confined moments resonating around points of cathartic sublimation, only to quickly recede back into a serene, melodic landscape marked by hypnotic vocals--which at times eerily resemble the legendary Maynard Keenan. The duo allows the music to develop organically, as it is conscious enough of its craft to resist the temptation of forcing "the rock." Need proof? There is a cover of The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody" on the EP. This is something that many bands would be weary of placing on any sort of release with its name attached, but Petting Zeus reshape the song to fit naturally into its collection. Ending off the album with "Per Verba Transhumanized", Bob and Splat show off their experimental side. This is certainly someting that many rock fans do not have the stomach for, but it does the EP justice for the substance provided therein.

Returning back to the initial four songs, Petting Zeus kicks things off with "The Skeletons on TV". Arguably the strongest song offered, "The Skeletons on TV" lurches forward with steady progression and buildup towards an unfathomable release. There is no presence of a repetitive sonic structure that leads the listener through mountains and valleys; instead they march full throttle upwards and dumps him off the cliff at the top. "Ya" features jagged, angular guitars and a rumbling drum line that placates the listener and readies him for the next track, "Kayak". Continuing in the fashion presented in "The Skeletons on TV", "Kayak" quietly develops to a breaking point, leveling the ground around and resetting the medium for yet another great tune. A ferocious vocal attack and uncompromising flurry of guitar licks deflate the song back into a simple outro. "Do Re Mi Fat So", the shortest track on the album, recognizes the time limitations placed upon and astes little time approaching the aggressive breakdown. Embedded with sharp, energetic passages, it's impossible to escape the song without tipping your hat the craftsmanship of this duo.

Petting Zeus demonstrate a full capacity to balance the forces of alternative and indie rock with their lively approach showcased in their EP. While other bands may be lost in the search to develop a fully commercial sound, Petting Zeus instead stays true to their artistic leanings and hone a sound that borrows from the rich Ohio underground scene. Be careful, with bands as charming as this rising out of the midwest, we may be due for a whole new kind of invasion.

--Jordan Volz