Zuzu - Queensway Tunnel 
Release Date: Out Now
Liverpudlian whirlwind Zuzu has now finally dropped her debut album 'Queensway Tunnel' and it rewards your patience with every song as the gloriousness unfolds in your ears. So, without further ado, let's dive in and I'll show you around. Things get going with the indie stomp of 'Timing' which sets out Zuzu's stall perfectly with uplifting melodies, energy at every turn and those brilliantly unique and characterful vocals. 'Lie To Myself' has a more alt-pop vibe but this is no watered down LA product, Zuzu is singing from the heart about the honest and ugly side of a break up over the top of a tune that deserves to be played loudly to a sea of adoring fans as the sun sets and someone sets the flares off. Recent single 'My Old Life' completes the opening trilogy and if there's a more raw and open track about starting again after a toxic relationship then I have yet to hear it.
'The Van Is Evil' takes us in a quirkier direction as Zuzu battles with the conflict of wanting to save the planet but also needing to get to gigs in a knackered van to earn a crust. Then 'Toaster' invites us for a slow dance, whispering in our ear "You know you're getting on when you get given a toaster" as a way of letting you know that she's not happy about time marching onwards. I think 'Bevy Head' is my favourite of these ten tracks due to the sheer lightness and pop drive of the melody mixed with the lyrical openness and honesty. But then again, 'Where'd You Go?' twists, turns and spirals like a Bond theme with hints of Garbage, Amy Winehouse and the Zutons all blended together with devastating results.
Entering the final three tracks we have 'Never Again' which shows off Zuzu's natural ability to, firstly, build to a fantastic choruse and, secondly, cut you to the quick with direct and disarming lyrics like; "You're a piece of shit and so are all your stupid friends". 'Endlessly Yours' is a sashaying and shimmying love song full of elegance and style which will transport you somewhere beautiful for the length of the song. The album closes out with title track 'Queensway Tunnel', the perfect end to a near perfect album which sees Zuzu disappearing in to the tunnel heading for a new life as the sun sets over the Mersey one more time. Zuzu is a genuinely startling and sparkling talent that we should all be supporting and enjoying for the good of your health and soul.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/thisiszuzu
Live Dates:
Wed 01 Dec - Patterns - Brighton, UKThu 02 Dec - The Dome - London, UK Fri 03 Dec - Thekla - Bristol, UKSun 05 Dec - O2 Academy - Liverpool, UKMon 06 Dec - The Cluny - Newcastle, UKTue 07 Dec - The Mash House - Edinburgh, UKWed 08 Dec - King Tut's Wah Wah Hut - Glasgow, UKThu 09 Dec - Bodega Social Club - Nottingham, UKSat 11 Dec - Hyde Park Book Club - Leeds, UKSun 12 Dec - Hare & Hounds - Birmingham, UKMon 13 Dec - The Deaf Institute - Manchester, UKTue 14 Dec - The Leadmill - Sheffield, UKThu 16 Dec - The Academy- Dublin, IE