GODSEND REVIEWS : Z

Nick Zedd - "Geek Maggot Bingo" DVD - Notorious NYC underground filmmaker and 'Cinema of Transgression' conspirator Zedd here presents what is undoubtably his best-known work--'Geek Maggot Bingo'. Starring proto-punk legend Richard Hell and voluptuous temptress Brenda Bergman, among others, this micro-budget cult flick makes no pretensions of being more than what it is. Featuring some really stylish hand-painted sets, 'Geek Maggot Bingo' is very obviously an homage to classic 50s monster films, and indeed the campiness so prevalent in the early Frankenstein or Dracula films is not lost here. In fact, Zedd and company take the camp factor way over the top, even on a par with the immortal John Waters in spots. To some, 'Geek Maggot' may be called one of the 'worst films ever made', but if you can get past the rough editing and what seems to be semi-improvisational dialogue in spots, this is a rewarding and unusually fun (even light) film that exists entirely outside of the mainstream world. Points there. The DVD is padded out with 3 other later-period Zedd short films, all of which really seem to go nowhere fast ('Elf Panties' and 'Lord Of The Cock Rings' especially). All-in-all, a curious piece of underground cinema and most definitely a 'memorable' film, if nothing else. (Eclectic DVD / Music Video Distributors)

various-"Zenflesh Five: Amduscias" CD-This 21-artist collection of oddball experimental noise weirdness ranges from loopy lo-fi noise to more subtle lo-fi noodling nonsense, to rhythmic, almost trip-hop vibes (BRITE MOMENTS) to even a folky pop track (LA HANNYA's "Drowning"). Sounds like a large majority of these tracks were improvised. Definitely not for everyone, as this comp moves in every direction and seems rather haphazard and aimless. Some interesting work here, but I found myself getting restless during many of the tracks included here. (Zenflesh)

Zenial - "Reworked" CD - This is, as the title implies, a collection of mostly remixes, including some by such respected avante/electronic names as K.K. Null, Lagowski, Vidna Obmana, Amir Baghiri, and Zbigniew Karkowski, among others. Opening with the shrill, abstracted sonics of 'Van Helsing Froz', ZENIAL's music on this hour-plus CD heads down a variety of unusual avenues. 'Zenial's Theme Music' approaches a sort of glitchy electronica, with popping rhythms and bleeps approximating a semi-ambient take on Detroit techno. So far, so good. Null's schizophrenic retooling of 'Echoes From Lamberton' is a lurking, abrasive, rhythmic, and downright malicious power-noise ear-opener, while Lagowski's 'aktyb7ff' is, conversely, a slice of dark and expansive computer ambiance that could be a long-lost score to '2001: A Space Odyssey'. The remainder of 'Reworked' alternates between dark, minimalistic glitchtronica and post-industrial ambience. A most righteous disc, waiting to be discovered by such fearless, exploratory listeners as yourself. (Vivo)

Zeni Geva-Trance Europe Experience CD-Powerful, driving noise rock/metal from Null and company. And theyre steering clear of the overt SWANS sound of the last live release.(Nux/Charnel)

Zero Gravity-Space Does Not Care CD-Spacy electronic rock from PRESSUREHED/NIK TURNER alumni.(Cleopatra)

Zia-Shem CDS-Melodic electro-pop from this Boston group. Sensitive and upbeat vox by Elaine Walker gives this a distinct and accessable edge, though the lyrics are cheesy. (Fifth Colvmn)

ZOVIET FRANCE-"Digilogue" CD-A beautiful album of moody and evocative electronic drones and soundscapes from these influential and legendary Newcastle artists. "Digilogue" was originally issued in 1996 as a limited vinyl album, but this reissue adds 3 unreleased tracks. ZOVIET FRANCE have always been masters of subtle sound, intuitively creating vast textures and sonic nuances with limited equipment. "Digilogue" isn't quite as organic as their early work, but the vibe is much the same---fleeting (but non-passive) ambient fields of primal, natural sound that resonate deep within the soul. An incredible release. (Soleilmoon)