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This self-titled effort from Zervas & Pepper showcases the different sounds and songs capable of being produced by the Welsh band, named after vocalists Paul Zervas and Kathryn Pepper.
The first track 'You Must Be Doing Something Right' led by Zervas sounds like the soundtrack to one of those über-happy, über-chilled adverts which have recently been en vogue. ..r inspection, the lyrics are not as happy but before you get the chance to get down, track two comes on. 'Out Dancin'' is the best track on the EP. It is reminiscent of 1960's folk in both content and sound. Vocals by Pepper, who has a relaxing and pleasant voice, make it hard not to smile and hark back to times probably before your birth.
'Don't You Go Anywhere' switches back to Zervas as lead vocal. This song definitely has more of a country vibe to is whilst the final track 'King of the Skies' is probably the most laid back, in the same way that Incubus' 'Aqueous Transmission' is, like a journey.
Fans of the EP and the band are likely to be those who would fit in well at a boutique festival and those who prefer to chill out to their music. Overall, a great effort.
- Altsounds
Zervas & Pepper are Paul Zervas and Kath Pepper. On this four song debut EP they are aided and abetted by Peter Hurley, bass player for one Van Morrison, Super Furry Animal Kris Jenkins engineered, and drummer Arran Ahmun, normally with John Martyn, drummed. Despite the Celtic connections, more than anything else, the record sounds like 70s American country-tinged rock-lite, so some CSNY, James Taylor, Bread, and the Eagles (early Eagles anyway) with just a hint of Brit sneaking through here and there, certainly a dash of Nick Drake and a hint of Gay and Terry Woods. 'Out Dancin' probably the strongest song, is a less polished kindred spirit to something like Fleetwood Mac's 'You Make Lovin' Fun', Kath Pepper's vocals sitting comfortably at some point on the McVie-Nicks axis, probably closer to the McVie end, it's a dangerously infectious number. Particularly on the songs sung by Paul Zervas, it's easy to think of America (the band), though in their more romantic mode, such as on 'Muskrat Love' or 'Tin Man',rather than the dirgey 'Horse With No Name' that everyone seems to remember.
While it's undeniably a well trodden path Zervas & Pepper are following, this is a nicely made, understated record, with proper songs, and some fine (mostly acoustic) playing. If they can keep this standard up for a whole album that would be impressive. File under promising! - Americana UK
Discography
'Zervas & Pepper EP 1' -Released : Feb 2008
1, Don't you go anywhere
2, Out Dancin'
3, You must be doing something right
4, King of the skies
'Zervas & Pepper EP 2' -Released : May 2009
1, Everybody knows
2, Get gone
3, Dreams die young
4, Sandcastle
---Bonus tracks-----
5, Out Dancin 2009 re-cut
6, You must be doing something right 2009 re-cut
'Out Dancin' / BW - Starting over'' Radio promo single Jan 2009'
'You must be doing something right' /BW Everybody knows' - Radio promo single , Jan 2009
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Bio
'Zervas & Pepper' are a five-piece band centered around the songwriting partnership of Paul Zervas and Kathryn Pepper. With a shared passion for 'radio friendly' sunny 'west coast' rock they have created a sound that is reminiscent of the classic 1970 bands. Think 'Fleetwood Mac', Crosby ,Stills & Nash, 'Joni Mitchell' and then add the contemporary feel of bands such as 'Cherry Ghost' & 'Fleet Foxes'. But be ensured 'Zervas and Pepper' have a sound that's quite their own.
Following the band's debut EP in early 2008 ' Z&P have created quite a stir on the local Live music scene and have a large, ever-growing loyal following. While the debut EP quickly gained the interest of many industry professionals Z&P choose to release all their music and promote the band independently on their own Zerodeo record label. Now in 2009 with the May release of the brand new 2nd EP Zervas and Pepper are taking the band back on the road.
For more info/ Cd sales check out: www.myspace.com/paulzervas
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