Zombi is a long-running duo who have made their mark in the progressive electronic music scene. Although their name suggests creepy crawly horror soundtrack stuff, Escape Velocity has more of a clean, futuristic sci-fi feel to it. It is true that in the past Zombi drew a ton of influence from Goblin and their Italian "giallo" music score, but now they seem more influenced by the synth soundtracks to such retro SF epics as "Logan's Run,” "Blade Runner" and "Escape From New York" as well as the more futuristic krautrock practitioners like Neu.

The Zombi formula is deceptively simple and is based on simple layers of sounds and rhythms that gradually build up and overlap each other. By the end of each of their lengthy tracks, the elemental has become the sophisticated. Escape Velocity is recommended for fans of futuristic prog that don't mind a lack of vocals.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2011  Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.

A fast and slinky synth arpeggio kicks the title track off, then the analog drums add their own bite. One of the things that sets Zombi apart from similar bands is the warm, human sound of the drumming. The synth riff continues with minor tweaks and changes that catch the ear and keep things from getting dull. A few minutes in, mournful but strident synth tones that sound almost like brass, layer themselves on top of what we've heard and give the song a different flavor. The end result is something sounds a lot like a Giorgio Moroder soundtrack to a SF or spy film.