Chicago singer-songwriter Joe Di Zillo released his vinyl debut Bringing It Back on June 21 and the album builds both sonically and lyrically on his 2019 digital/CD EP Abstract Clouds.
Bringing It Back opens with the joyous call-to-arms “Lotta Love,” which was written at the height of the COVID pandemic and offers a simple message: “We Want a Lotta Love and How!”
“Lotta Love” sets a high bar but the album’s remaining nine tracks more than deliver the goods. “Come Home Tonight” has a throwback rockabilly vibe while “The Raven” features some top-notch pedal steel guitar courtesy of Gabriel Stutz.
“One Way Love” is the rougher, cynical answer to the openhearted sentiments of “Lotta Love” and benefits from a punk-level intensity and harsher vocal delivery before morphing into an extended blues jam that showcases Chris Morrow’s propulsive drumming.
“Outta the Blue” doubles down on the blues with nods to Led Zeppelin and ZZ Top while “Voices” carries that torch toward a more modern blues-rock sound; fans of Jack White and The Black Keys will definitely want to take note.
“Get it While You Can” flirts with riff-heavy arena rock and “Copper” offers up the same rockabilly/early rock n’ roll feel found on “Come Home Tonight.”
“Constant State of Confusion” is the closest that the album comes to traditional folk music and it is a heartbreaking confessional and showcases Di Zillo’s finest vocal delivery.
Bringing It Back comes to a close with “Swing It,” which really incorporates all of Di Zillo’s likely influences: it has the Led Zeppelin swagger and epic scope; the stamp of blues and rockabilly; the synergy of musicians playing in service to the song.
Bringing It Back was co-produced by Gary James & Joe Di Zillo, recorded at Uphill Recording Studio, mixed by James and mastered by Carl Saff. Di Zillo handled all lead vocals and played guitar and Mellotron. In addition to the aforementioned contributions by Stutz and Morrow, Michael Turner is credited with guitar, Kevin Lustrup and John Kretsos played bass, and Edie Di Zillo provided backing vocals.
https://joedizillo.bandcamp.com/album/bringing-it-back
https://www.joedizillo.com
https://www.facebook.com/joedizillomusic
