Brand new music from a genre-blending Z.M.A emerges in the form of a sensational and fearlessly eclectic album entitled Kingdom. A quirky and creative yet evocative project, Kingdom blends the duo’s classic RnB flavours with heavier dance tones and grooves, various hints of inspiration, and stories that instantly allure.
We begin with the title-track Kingdom, a synth-soaked example of all of this, rising up with dynamic between the two vocalists, and presenting a clear sense of growing emotional intensity as the story and beat gather momentum. It’s an intoxicating opener, smooth yet gritty, with vocals that are increasingly soulful alongside this unorthodox, industrial synth-wave rhythm.
From bold and memorable beginnings, we move into the dirty bass and beat combo of a whispered and characterful Home to Mama. Here the Z.M.A alternative pop image is met naturally by their performative energy as a band. The versatility of Kingdom is undeniable, and the vocal talent and stories explored devotedly further that. This one briefly resolves with a power-pop hook unexpectedly akin to the anthemic floor-fillers of Lady Gaga.
Welcoming a twist of eighties optimism and joy, Talk About A Movie shines light on yet another side to the Z.M.A creative ark, the style familiar but the songwriting and structure yet again raining down with unapologetic originality.
Thirteen tracks in full make up the Kingdom album. We get some softer pop tones with heartfelt writing and catchy hooks in the form of Bruises and Remember June, and some slick and soulful bluesy RnB that’s nostalgic in a Boys2Men kind of way, for the huge hit Mission To Mars. This is a midsection of tracks that really begs for you to hit replay on all three songs.
Playfulness then returns production-wise, but the story delves further still into complex human emotions and experiences, for In The Jungle. Then ambient synths and intimate vocals connect well for the intriguing and dreamy Ghost Notes. After which, breathy organic and unplugged tones let the genuine depth and personal longing of the ballad Crescent Moon (In loving memory of Barbara Morrison) pour through with heart-breaking poignancy and gratitude.
Bigger pop vibes hit well for the contrasting follow-up Magnet For Crazies, one of three re-mastered tracks that help wrap up the journey of Kingdom. Bad Thoughts is the second, a spacious and impassioned yet atmospheric ode to personal turmoil and darkness that will no doubt resonate with a multitude of listeners. Then there’s the reverb-laden Sketches, guitar-led and delicate in its poetic expression and highlighting of the defiant nuances of the lead singer’s voice.
Curtain call brings a dance-soaked remix to reignite the energy and positivity of earlier after this heavily conceptual set of tracks. Home To Mama gets a fresh look, a more full production, to close down the Kingdom album with style and confidence.
Despite its impossible to pigeon-hole style and diversity, Kingdom is one of the most well-crafted collections of original pop songs to hit the scene this year. It’s intriguing for its originality and style, but it connects for its realism, its clear talent, and its humble yet effectively catchy hooks and riffs. Z.M.A have outdone themselves with this project.
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