The LOZ Band (Lionz of Zion)

If you’ve been out anywhere in Greenville the last 6 months, it seems you can’t go anywhere without hearing about the Lionz of Zion due to their tireless work ethic. These guys play out almost every venue in Greenville and leave no stone unturned. The band plays a competent rock/reggae/soul blend, and their line-up consists of all extremely talented musicians.The bands secret weapon though is Brian “Hootie” Jeter on bass, who’s nimble bass-lines highlight many of the tracks and leave any fellow musicians listening with a serious jealous streak.

The album begins with “The One” which is more straightforward rock than many of the tracks, but serves as an appropriate warm-up for the rest of the album. Sometimes bands can blow their load on an opening track, and here you feel like the band is just waiting to reel you in so they can blow your mind later. However, if you tune out early you will miss some extremely talented guitar-work courtesy of guitarists Daniel Wirgau and Wes Treadway in the latter part of this track.

Without missing a beat the second track “X’s and Oh Yeah’s” comes in almost like a reggae version of Dark Side of the Moon, all tasty wah and organs. This track highlights singer Josh Forbus’ soulful falsetto and the overall tightness of the band with it’s start/stop dynamics.

The third track “Troubles Pt. I and II” delivers on the hinted at promise of the first two tracks and showcases all of the different styles and deliveries that the band has to offer to really get the party started. From the open hi-hat taps of drummer Ryan McCarthy, to the tasteful handclaps, the first half of this track is all build-up. This song builds,builds and builds until the rap-rock influenced finale which will leave many an audience listener glistened in sweat from dancing.

Track 4, “Stay” is more subdued, highlighting Forbus’ lyrics of heartbreak which are usually pushed further back into the context of the bands songs, and shows the beating heart behind the party anthems.

Next up, “Better Way” perhaps best showcases the band’s soul/ R&B influences, with a dual-vocal trade-off that at times is almost conversational. If God forbid, they ever made a white version of the movie “Barbershop”, this song’s inclusion on the soundtrack would at a doubt be the highlight. This track is also drummer Ryan McCarthy’s time to shine with some crafty,driving and well-timed fills around the 2:45 mark.

Closing out the album is track 6, “Stay”. Beginning and ending with some spectacular piano work courtesy of guest pianist Adam Moseley, this track could def be a single for radio-listeners. The pre-chorus is a perfect exercise in creating tension for the upcoming chorus, however despite the excellent musicianship being displayed, what should feel like pay-off just feels convoluted. If they were to strip it down some this would do an excellent job of bookending the album.

For anyone wanting to see some live music to dance to and forget their cares, they should definitely check out this album. You can check them out on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/lionzofzion and they will be appearing live all over the state in the upcoming months including the Downtown Alive festival in Greenville on June 16th and The Quaker Steak and Lube April 6th. - Upstate Scene SC

It's hard not to be impressed with the tight musicianship of the Lionz of Zion. With a fresh, original sound that incorporates soul, funk and reggae, the Greenville-based outfit appears destined to be a vital part of the regional jam and modern-rock circuits for years to come. -GoUpstate.com - GoUpstate.com

http://www.gvillemag.com/feature/g_tune/a_lionz_share - G Magazine

"The LOZ has that special mixture of great songs and infectious stage presence that will keep people coming out and jamming with them for years to come" -Marcus Suarez -Whitestone Studios Producer/Engineer - Whitestone Studios

"The Lionz Of Zion preformed on FOX Rocks as part of a new summer music series on WHNS-TV. Their fusion of Funk and Reggae was a completely unique and fresh sound. The combination of Josh and his soulful vocals, Daniel’s blazing guitar work, Hootie’s up and down the bass riffs, and Ryan, aka Dr. Love Beats smokin’ drums, you get a special live performance that rocks the house. Close your eyes and feel the music breez’in." -Clark Smith -FOX 21 - Fox News Carolina

"This is easily one of the best bands SC has ever produced. They universally speak to one's ear hole" -Mick Minchow Talent Buyer/ Owner Ground Zero - Mick Minchow

http://greenville.metromix.com/music/world_now_video/the-music-mix-lionz/889821/content


If this link has problems, go to www.metromix.com

search: lionz of zion - Link Magazine/ Metromix.com

Like many bands, Lionz of Zion began in a garage—specifically drummer Ryan McCarthy’s. Eighteen months later, the group mixes reggae and rock aesthetics (think Incubus and 311), and is a mainstay of Greenville’s live music scene. LOZ’s five-song debut EP “Faces Stolen,” released in April, displays promise. There’s Daniel Wirgau’s spidery guitar riff on “Tree of Promise” and authentic Jamaican rhythm section weaving from McCarthy and bassist “Hootie” Jeter on “A Song for You.” Wirgau and singer Josh Frobus trade vocals throughout the record, most effectively on “Indica.” If the band’s songwriting and singing matures, LOZ has a solid full-length release in them. According to Forbus, their newer material is funkier and heavier. “A New Drug” is a dark rocker while “You Move Me” gets the band’s audiences dancing, Forbus says.
“We’re trying to do something a little different from the Southern rock and metal—which I love—that you heard around here all the time,” Forbus says. “I think we’re coming up with an interesting sound.”
Anyone checking out LOZ live should remember to duck. During their set, the band throws out schwag stamped with the band’s name into the audience. Past giveaways have included shakers, flags and Kool-Aid packets.
Like many bands, Lionz of Zion began in a garage—specifically drummer Ryan McCarthy’s. Eighteen months later, the group mixes reggae and rock aesthetics (think Incubus and 311), and is a mainstay of Greenville’s live music scene. LOZ’s five-song debut EP “Faces Stolen,” released in April, displays promise. There’s Daniel Wirgau’s spidery guitar riff on “Tree of Promise” and authentic Jamaican rhythm section weaving from McCarthy and bassist “Hootie” Jeter on “A Song for You.” Wirgau and singer Josh Frobus trade vocals throughout the record, most effectively on “Indica.” If the band’s songwriting and singing matures, LOZ has a solid full-length release in them. According to Forbus, their newer material is funkier and heavier. “A New Drug” is a dark rocker while “You Move Me” gets the band’s audiences dancing, Forbus says.
“We’re trying to do something a little different from the Southern rock and metal—which I love—that you heard around here all the time,” Forbus says. “I think we’re coming up with an interesting sound.”
Anyone checking out LOZ live should remember to duck. During their set, the band throws out schwag stamped with the band’s name into the audience. Past giveaways have included shakers, flags and Kool-Aid packets.
-Matt Wake
Entertainment Writer
Link Magazine/ Nationwide - Link Magazine/ Metromix.com

"Hi Guys, I really enjoyed your music. A very interesting genre mix. Thanks for letting me listen" -Jack Douglas- Legendary Music Producer

- Yahoo