Zug Izland

Zug Izland: 3:33

By Johnny Loftus

3:33 is the second time around for former Insane Clown Posse backing band Zug Izland. It also marks the debut of Ax & Smash Records, the rocky outcropping of Icp's Psychopathic imprint. Like their clown-around pals, the guys in Zug are very earnest in what they do, even if it's a bit derivative. "Virgo's Tale" and "Ride" emulate the rocking side of Kid Rock and Twisted Brown Trucker, "U" and "Feel" opt for piano-tinged, even-tough-guys-cry balladry, and the nondescript posturing of nu-metal -- singed with Goth, industrial, and electronic acids -- guides most of the rest of 3:33. Highlights include the hard-driving "Hate"; "Taken," with its brooding verses and sludgy anthem chorus, tinged with haunting horror movie backgrounds; and the atmospheric violin trills of "Saved." ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
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- All Media Guide, LLC

Zug Izland
Cracked Tiles
Psychopathic Records
By Adam Simon


This is a must-own album for anyone who is a fan of the I.C.P./Twiztid genre. In every way imaginable, Cracked Tiles is thoroughly soaked in quality. Every song transitions into the next with seamless grace and carries the listener on an aural adventure from start to finish. No two songs sound the same, but similarities can be drawn between certain tracks.
The amount of production value in this CD is staggering. A visually delightful packaging job compliments an equally enjoyable listening experience. Excellent photography is coalesced with clever use of symbolism and tight digital editing. Zug Izland has utterly succeeded in creating a dark, dreary, smog-ridden atmosphere bathed in toxic waste. The impressions one feels from the album’s artwork directly relate to its musical vibes. It’s safe to say that this entire package itself is a piece of art.
With so much attention to detail in every possible aspect, this album requires the listener’s full attention to be entirely appreciated. However, the familiar rhythms of rap and rock blended with steady electronic pulses and head-bobbing grooves also provides for an ideal party atmosphere. This CD really does have a little bit of something for everyone, but of course its cumulative output may not appeal to all listeners. The content here is very mature, so likewise one must be of similar stature.
The key to this album’s success lies in its overall diversity. Even when it begins to reuse familiar themes, it never crosses the lines of banality. Each individual song has something that makes it stand out from the others. Be it spoken word, electronic bliss, tongue twisting rap, groove heavy guitars, gluttonous bass, darkened pop hooks, acoustic arpeggios, dreamlike ambience, uplifting piano phrases, punk style aggression, resistance of oppression, thought-provoking social commentary, or majestic female singing, Zug Izland delivers.
- Chicagogigs.com