Few artists are able to immediately captivate their unsuspecting listeners with hypnotic, breathtaking ballads that flow like poetry, while taking them into a dark, unknown world where one’s only salvation is a bewitching siren. One of the greatest musical surprises of the year comes directly from New York City, the home of many starving artists and aspiring rock stars hoping to make it big. Fortunately, Brooklyn-born Zigmat effortlessly grabs New Yorkers like magnets, something few bands successfully master. Led by Puerto Rico’s Monica Rodriguez and Stephen Yonkin, their sophomore album Sounds of Machines completely embarks a new journey far away from their familiar up-beat pop tracks. With sensual electronica and tales that speak of wild sex by moonlight, Zigmat’s Sounds of Machines is a dreamy blend of sultry rhythms that will put anyone under their spell.
Thanks to Sounds of Machines, Zigmat, originally formed in 2006, will finally receive the recognition they deserve. In “Whispers,” Rodriguez easily seduces with a feminine, highly erotic voice that, like a commanding lover, turns her listeners on in an instant. However it’s in “Light Of The Moon” where audiences will immediately be shocked by Zigmat’s sadistic story of love, yet they insist because who wouldn’t be captivated by Rodriguez? She sneers, “You know that I’ll kill for you, so that we’ll make love by the light of the moon,” as the erratic twangs of Ryan Alfred's guitar are spiked by a feel-good robotic jive that can jumpstart any hipster bash. The results are provocative and disturbing, yet we can’t get enough. “Don’t Tire” is filled with lush synths and drums by Dan Duggins that pound like human heart beats in unison. Rodriguez cools off her animalistic lust and instead, goes for gentler, breathy vocals that intertwine both English and Spanish. Audiences are swept by a sea of nostalgic, otherworldly melodies. In “Machines,” the song’s mechanic bashes, ghostly wails, and Rodriguez’s persistent plead to face one’s fears is like the city where Zigmat is from: mysterious, at times frightening, but always alluring.
For a musical treat that can’t be beat, make sure to have Zigmat’s Sounds of Machines on heavy rotation. This is one band you won’t mind heading to an industrial jungle and back just for a listen.
Don't miss Zigmat's CD release party this Saturday at Joe's Pub! For more info, click here.
