During the mid-’60s, the Zombies were a part of the British Invasion, producing such hits as “She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No.” Near the end of the decade, they recorded one of the most creative albums of the era, which included the signature song “Time Of The Season.” 1968’s Odyssey & Oracle combined British sensibilities with the American psychedelic sound. In one of those terrible career decisions, The Zombies disbanded just before the album was released and became a critical and commercial success.
The lights went back on a little over 15 years ago when keyboardist/songwriter Rod Argent and vocalist Colin Blunstone reformed the band as a touring and recording entity. New members Jim Rodford (bass), Steve Rodford (drums), and guitarist Tom Toomey (guitar) round out the modern lineup. The current incarnation of the band has now issued their second studio album, Still Got That Hunger.
Argent is still a first-rate songwriter, and while the new material may not be as cohesive as that of their classic period, overall the music is a modernized version of what one would expect from the band.
“Chasing The Past” is a dark, almost gothic rock tune. “Edge Of The Rainbow” and “Moving On” are gritty rock/blues excursions. “I Want You Back Again” is a reworking of a 1960s Rod Argent composition with some extra textures and layers added. The best track is the biographical “New York,” which is a tribute to their early career and some of their musical heroes.
The Zombies has traveled a lot of miles during the course of their career. Still Got That Hunger is an apt name for a band that has issued a relevant and listenable album over a half-century after their creation.
