ALBUM REVIEW: Zetra – Zetra

‘…a well-performed and intricate release, but one that frustratingly refuses to achieve its full potential…’

Zetra have been stirring in the shadows for quite some time now. The semi-anonymous duo have seen support from numerous popular outfits, such as Creeper, Svalbard, and HEALTH, and have gained quite a bit of traction thanks to their quietly theatrical live performances and deeply conceptual music.

After a collection of EP releases, it is now time for the pair to unveil their eponymous debut record, which sees the band loosen their firm grasp on their mystique a little to invite you into the world of the ‘Spirit of Zetra’.

Their dreamy shoegaze style plays into the otherworldly concept well, and the band do truly convince you that they are from somewhere beyond this world, but this is at the expense of producing music with any bite. Far too much of this album blurs into a haze of downtempo, brooding ruminations, decorated with subdued vocals and bright keys, giving you little to nothing distinctive to separate each track. It is music that feels reluctant to grab your attention, feeing almost apologetic for making you listen. 

There are exceptions to this, thankfully. ‘Inseparable’ sees the band approach the vocals with a lower register that captures a surprising amount of tenderness, especially when draped across the droning, fuzzy guitar melodies. ‘Starfall’, featuring Svalbard, has some ferocious screamed vocals mixed into the track, which adds a brilliant sharpness to the band’s often amorphous sound. ‘Gaia’ resonates with a punkish energy that feels almost Creeper in nature, with a punchy percussive rhythm that decisively snags you and refuses to let you go.

These highlights culminate with the apocalyptic ‘Moonfall’, with its abrasive lead guitar riff and thunderous bass perfectly colliding with spacious walls of glittering synths. When Zetra harness their dark side, they strike magic, and easily make you believe that there is something special about them; perhaps future releases could see them push further into this heavy, progressive-tinged territory, and truly make themselves heralds of the world beyond.

For now, however, what Zetra have offered is a well-performed and intricate release, but one that frustratingly refuses to achieve its full potential. It is difficult not to wonder if Zetra expended all of their creative energy on their concept as opposed to their music. If the band can find that balance in future releases, then their world might become one well worth exploring. 

RATING: 64/100 – Decent

For Fans Of: Wardruna, Creeper, Sleep Token, The Cure, Ghost, Coldplay

Physical copies of the album are available to purchase here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify // Twitter