Robin Taylor Zander, member of Cheap Trip, releases his self-titled LP via Confidential Records. His music is awash in smoothly textured instrumentation and soaring, layered vocal harmonies and pop melodies, Zander melds together the influence of the Beatles and Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, the Move and the Who, in a sonic palette that's the artists own...

RMZ is an impressive collection of songs that draw inspiration from so many sources. The album's 10 songs (38 min, 48 sec) bring forth a wave of nostalgia for bands and music from the '60s and '70s. It's a sound and enthusiastic approach that makes the album one that's infectious.

It kicks off with 'All She Wrote', which sounds like it stepped out of a Monkees recoding session. And, as the album progresses, it's soon evident how Robin Taylor Zander wields his skills as a master songwriter and performer.

'Don't Want to Say Goodbye' sees the album shift tone a little, with beautiful chord progressions helping to keep the listener engaged. Personally, this was probably my favourite track on the album.

I totally fell in love with RMZ. It's a timeless collection, which owes plenty to the past, but presents it as a new, fresh sound.

9

Nick Smithson