Zarboth - Zarboth

As pioneers and masters of wildly shifting, cocks-in-hand, instrumental alt-rock, Oxes have become something of an easy solution for reviewers confronted by just such guitar-based, riff-spewing, tempo-abusing cantankerousness. Therefore they will absolutely not be mentioned or used as a comparison anywhere in this review to avoid any potentially wild accusations of lazy journalism. Zarboth are a French duo: Etienne and Phil, both graduates of the healthy Parisian underground scene. Their successful union has recently spawned eight tracks of attention-deficient attack rock. The well-advised use of a baritone guitar helps avoid the usual pitfall of weak sound that many duos fall into. Argue sees the two gents utilise some nicely harmonised vocals to broaden their sound whilst Overtones finds the bottom flapping lazily against the pickups with a superbly nasty, guttural rumble. Frantic but focused, Zarboth sounds like it'd make for a great live show.