Leh-Lo - Zig Zag

It's true that Lehlohonolo Tony Rabalao has been playing drums throughout the Canadian Music Scene for quite a few years now, but his latest solo album shows that he's much more than just another drummer. "Zig-Zag" is a very impressive release that hops across genres with so much ease that you know he's been carefully studying the art of songwriting while pounding the skins for artists such as Joydrop (whom he also wrote for) and Big Sugar.

In a word, the album rocks. It opens with the title track, an infectious tune with pounding drums, thumping keys and an incredible vocal. It sets the bar pretty high for the rest of the album, but thankfully Leh-Lo does not disappoint. Another rocker is "All Alone," a song that presents a powerful message on equality that never sounds preachy or angry, but honest. "Rocket Science" contains a sly and thought provoking lyric that is nicely wrapped in a hooky melody that is very easy to enjoy. As soon as the driving bass line of "The Numbers" kicks in, you know that you're in for yet another symphonious slice of power pop perfection. What really makes that song for me, is the addition of a swirling wurlitzer, which jumps in at exactly the right time, making this song rise above any others of its ilk. Finally, along with the title track, my other favorite song is the closer, entitled "Responsible." It's a very simple melody but again, the vocal is flawless and, although it's only 3 and a half minutes long, there is still something very epic in its delivery. Overall, 'Zig-Zag" is a very well produced and timeless release that is sure to impress all who give it a listen.

Myspace: Leh-Lo
Purchase: Zig-Zag over at CDBaby and iTunes.
Read more about Leh-Lo over at off-off-indie recordings.