Album Notes

Debut album ‘Plug In,’ from Budapest, Hungary-based ZANZA, is a throwback to rock’s golden era of the early 1970s, wrapping elements of blues and folk into a cohesive melodic triptych of midtempo jams. Relying on groovy organ, piano, crisp percussion and both plugged-in and acoustic guitars, one can imagine Robert Plant, Lenny Kravitz or Jim Morrison joining in for a late-night onstage throw-down. Among the 14 tracks, “Grow” is an exemplary showcase for ZANZA’s slower, more sensual side, as lead singer/songwriter Lehel Kovács assures, “I’m a preacher in the sun, and I’m gonna love your heart, stop tears dripping down your face.” Blues-soaked “Woman Song” and “A Piece of All Other Things,” amp the tempo, displaying masterful guitar licks, as he teases in the latter track, “Oh, baby, I need you, I can give you my smile to show you my heart/I’m gonna crawl all over ya.” Since recording “Plug In,” Kovács has replaced a number of the original ZANZA players in an effort to ready the band for its first tour. Based on the songs here, they’re ripe for the road.