Zorro Cat and the Neon Bandits

Taking cues from synthpop, electro, disco, and neon ridiculousness, Zorro Cat and the Wild Boys (ZCWB) formed thanks to a mutual desire to get everybody dancing. ZCWB was, in a sense, formed accidentally in July of 2009 by New York City residents John Painting, Maxwell Foxman, Jack Palmer, and Casey Acierno while on a trip to the dance floors of New England. The up-tempo, doo-wop inspired, a capella tune "I’m Going to Eat Your Soul," with Foxman on lead vocals amused the members in the darkness as they drove home, but soon, all four decided to move things in a less novelty-based, electro-dance direction, with Painting now assuming the role of lead vocalist.

It wasn't until a Williamsburg roof party several weeks later that the remaining pieces came together. After a night of all-you-can-drink wine, one cent beer and bourbon, and generally epic adventure, Painting turned up with friends at said party. The simple utterance of the phrase "No Friends Party," a text message sent to a friend answering a yes-or-no question lacking a crucial comma, as a possible song title got the ball rolling.

It is the band's flexible line-up that makes them perfect for any stage, from the diviest bar to biggest disco. Foxman and Painting make up the core of the band, writing music electronically and performing via laptop. The two can plug into any PA and play as a duo with laptop and singer. However, when additional members are available, Foxman can move to the bass while another person can assume the laptop. That person can be replaced by other band members or even audience members, as all they need to do is hit the space bar to start the beats. It was this concept which inspired the title of the band's first EP "Can You Hit Play," which stands as an open invitation to anyone who wants to be a Wild Boy for the night.

Songs include "Flatiron," a pounding track about finding love on the dance floor, "Cold Snap," a desperate plea to save a failing relationship countered against an optimistic melody, "Don't Make Me Wait," a cutting song about trying to move on from an unrequited crush, and "Belle of the Ball," a sprightly track examining the initial thrill of falling in love with a girl that can turn everyone's head. "Insomnia" tells the flip side of "Belle…," the paranoia associated with starting to fall for a girl who might have a roaming eye while "No Friends Party" sees a relationship end in the midst of awkward social situations. "Modern Robotics" is a bittersweet tale of love in the digital age; "Dark, Little Secrets" talks of being stuck as the wedge in a love triangle; and "The Bridge" sees another relationship end over having completely different social styles. Finally, as a manifesto of sorts, the medley of "Bad Decisions, This Way;" the "2-F" interlude; and "Essex Street" tells of a night of drinking, dancing, and generally just letting loose and having fun, precisely the experience ZCWB hopes their fans have during performances.