ZetaWave is a relatively new, up-and-coming, pop-indie-dance Los Angeles based group fronted by vocalist and lyricist, Aliya Hashemi. Their latest release, a 6-track EP titled Over, introduces ZetaWave as a interesting, eclectic group, whose music is sure to appeal to a wide variety.
Many of the songs are synth-driven, and the listener is almost transported back to the upbeat synth-heavy music that was alive and well in the 80s. One thing’s for sure about ZetaWave- the diversity and element of surprise that the City of Angels exudes definitely appears to have contributed to the making of Over. I found myself comparing ZetaWave’s music to artists like Feist, Ingrid Michaelson, Goldfrapp, and Robyn. They’re definitely diverse enough that their music incorporates elements of sound from all four of those artists, while still giving themselves a unique, likeable sound.
The last song on the album, “Birthday,” introduces a new sound, devoid of the upbeat, dance music found on the other tracks. It features soft vocals that easily jump into a falsetto in the chorus, paired with an acoustic guitar, an occasional shaker, and backing vocals. It’s a nice segue from the more danceable tracks preceding it, and ends the EP in a nice, soft way that leaves the listener wanting more. One of my favorite songs is the track “Girls,” whose mixture of guitars, drums, synthesizers, and bells leads into a memorable chorus that’s still repeating in my head!
Over is set to be released on October 4th, and the first single off of the EP, “Strange Heartbeat,” can be downloaded off of iTunes now.