Zoe and Zara are twin sisters and form an independent, Soul/Jazz and feel good duo. They come from Bedford and formed all the way back in 2011. I have to say I’m always excited when I get to review groups/performers like these, I spend a lot of time in the rock genre because it’s popular and because it’s what most people connect to when they get into music so it’s nice to have a change and review something like this. I have to admit that before I was given their new album to review I’d never heard of these two artists, but after listening to their new album ‘The Introduction’ It’s safe to say I’ll be keeping my eye out for them in the future.

‘The Introduction’ does exactly what the title says, it acts as a very playful and teasing introduction to the album and show off instantly both singers wonderful voices supported perfectly by the jazz beat. I liked this song a lot, particularly a little piano trill that pops up towards the end which I just thought was excellent.

‘Weather Is Golden’ opens differently from the previous track with strings instead of horns, but it’s still a tight intro that just has the air of some top club performance. ‘Weather is Golden’ might be my favourite on the track, something about it just gels really well with me. I have a habit when doing these reviews of finding one song that I keep going back to and for ‘The Introduction’ that was this track.

‘Whisper’ changes up the intro style again, an almost rock inspired melody, an excellent little riff that goes really well with the vocals of Zoe and Zara, it manages to sound very distinct without sounding disconnected. Like ‘Weather is Golden’ this track just works, Zoe and Zara know their sound and they know how to do it well. Everything has the eternally pleasing notes of swing music and Jazz which gives the tracks a timeless quality but at the same time it doesn’t sound played out and even benefits from being composed electronically.

‘Hey Mr’ opens in such a way that it seems live and that certainly adds to the quality I mentioned earlier of the entire album being performed in a club. This song is another tremendous addition, there’s one bit in particular where they call for a saxophone and he responds with a toot from his instrument, it’s fun and playful and not something I’ve come across often before. It’s a nice little call and response that can be really good if done well and it most certainly was in this case.

‘Autumn Afternoon’ is another chance for the sisters to show of their wonderful voices, the music also seems supplemental to their wonderful singing, often bands and singers coast on how well they play or how good the music is but at its core if you have singing then it needs to be clear, enjoyable and worth listening to and Zoe and Zara certainly manage to tick the boxes so to speak. Autumn Afternoon is one of my favourites, it has a playful quality to it and it’s just really lovely to listen to.

‘Butterfly’ clocks in at 8.35 longs and is by far the longest track on the Album but that just means there’s plenty to enjoy, this track feels like mood music, like something you’d hear in a club to add ambience. It’s soft and enjoyable and easy to listen to. The first few minutes act as an extended instrumental opening before we are treated to vocals, and its worth the wait. The song is light and uncomplicated and backed up by a gentle jazz beat that just carries you through the track in a daze. I really liked this track, it might not be something you’d listen to all the time because of the length but it’s still strong and especially once both sisters start singing together and it builds up a little. Anyone who’s into a soft smooth, swinging kinda track should give this track a chance.

‘Talk About It (feat. Rayon Nelson)’ starts of with a familiar jazzy beat, counterpointed by the singers, this track introduced another voice Rayon Nelson and he really does add something to this track, it’s not just that it gives Zoe and Zara someone else to bounce off he enhances the whole soulful jazz vibe of the album.

‘Dessert’ opens with a slightly different beat, more electronic for a start, but still very classy and ambient. This track is far more sultry and suggestive than the previous tracks and it’s a good way to end the album. I enjoyed the imagery of this one particularly but overall I think all the tracks had well-defined lyrics and played really well.

If you want to get the album for yourself then check it out here on Itunes and if you want to keep up to date with Zoe and Zara then you can follow them on Facebook or visit their website.

Thomas Neil
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