The Rezillos
Zero
(Metropolis Records)
It’s been about 37 years since first-wave Scottish punk band The Rezillos released a full-length studio album. But after numerous break-ups, reformations and missed opportunities, the band is back with most of its key members intact—including duo vocalists Fay Fife and Eugene Reynolds—and a new album that’s better than most anyone could’ve imagined.
As the band was neither nihilistic nor politically preachy, it stood out as a bit of an oddball in the early UK scene. And while its quirky approach and male/female dynamic may have alienated some punk purists, its colorful style would prove to be influential on the more pop-oriented, new wave scene to follow a couple years later at the dawn of the ‘80s. But unfortunately, internal conflicts plagued the band and it would soon come apart at the seams.
But that’s all ancient history now, ‘cuz from start to finish, Zero does not disappoint. First off, it’s got all of the elements covered—sneering duo vocals, big guitars and loads of hooky, traditional punk rock. Opener “Groovy Room” charges right in with an eerie riff punctuated by a twisted guitar lick that conjures up both Johnny Thunders and the theme from The Munsters at once. From there on out, it’s all about rousing chain-gang anthems like “Number One Boy,” “Life’s A Bitch” and “You’re So Deep,” each one packed with infectious hooks and untamed enthusiasm.
It’s this enthusiasm that really sets Zero apart from so many other semi-posthumous releases from vintage bands that often cling to past glories at the expense of quality new material. The Rezillos have either been storing all this pent-up energy in a tightly corked decanter or are just grateful as all hell to be given a second chance. Either way it shows, as there’s zero filler on Zero—from start to finish, it’s a 10. (Jim Kaz)
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