Zambri - "W/Somebody (The Model Remix)"
If Kevin Shields produced a pop album with dueling female vocals, it'd probably sound like Zambri. For the past couple of years, the New York quintet has been creating a sound that combines equal parts funky dance pop and dark, cavernous shoegaze rock. This sounds like a musical oxymoron. Coming from complete opposite sides of the spectrum, shoegaze is defined by its dark mood and often confrontational soundscapes, while the purest pop is energetic, fun, and easy to swallow.
The mood of Zambri's music walks a fine line, usually further on the dark side than light. This is one of the conflicting elements that makes this music dynamic and original. There's no denying that the swirling vocals of Zambri sisters (Jessica and Cristi Jo) are the defining element of the band. The way their vocals weave together is a creation that only sisters who've been performing together for years could pull off. Weaving is the only way to describe the way their vocals combine—it's not as simple as the standard call-and-response style most bands with multiple singers pull off. Blessed with good looks, strong voices and the namesake for which the band is named after, Jessica and Cristi Jo are will be seen as the faces of the band, and will be presented the spotlight in all press coverage and photos. It's an undeniable fact, but the trio of musicians behind them deserve a lot of recognition for the powerful sound being created. Andrew Bianchi (drums) and Carrie Ingber (bass) provide a really dynamic rhythmic core, while Chris Coombs' expansive guitar playing is the essential mood defining element, along with the keyboards (provided also by the Zambri sisters).
With a brand new EP, Bang for Changes, and a schedule that has seen them playing live all over town recently (including multiple shows during CMJ), Zambri will be seeing a lot of attention in the near future.
Younger sister, Cristi Jo recently spoke to New York Press about her record collection, future touring plans and the joy of sharing the stage with her sister.
Despite an atmospheric backdrop that takes from a noisier/edgier rock underbelly, Zambri is a pop group. Who are the biggest influences over your sound?
Edward Scissorhands and Puccini's 'Nessun' Dorma' is a constant for me. Do you hear that?
What's the most embarrassing record in your collection?
Probably my own with Jess as a child/adolescent. We used to do spot on impressions of Ronnie Spector, Mariah, Whitney, Bjork, Thom Yorke, etc. Anyone that we were asked to do, we did. Monica, Brandy...it's all in there. I guess. I'm not embarrassed, just glad we stopped taking requests (and thankful to anyone who would burn their copies).
Sharing the spotlight with a sibling can be difficult. Is there any rivalry between you in your music writing/singing?
No. We're lovey dovey. There's a lot to handle/figure out/make happen because we both write a lot, and we get excited and eager to document and play all the songs. Trying to bring two separate visions to light can be a challenge, but when they come together, it's pretty special. No competition. We trust and inspire one another a lot.
How long have you been performing together?
We did a few solo stints, and our first performance together was when I was in third grade and, she, in fifth. We've played the five of us (Chris, Carrie, Andy), as a whole, for a couple years. This was our first recording as a complete band. We have some history. We'll get into that another time.
New Yorkers are notorious for being the most motionless crowds, and your music is really danceable. Are there venues where your crowds are more likely to bust a move?
People seem to let loose more when it's DIY style, I suppose. No matter where you are though, when the whole night is planned out and it's not just filling slots, there is a definite energy difference. Sometimes dancing just depends on your mood though. If Samuel Barber's, Agnus Dei (Adagio for Strings), was playing the same time as a Basement Jaxx track, in perfect rhythm with one another, I'm might dance or I might just listen. Sometimes that's the energy I feel with us.
Who would you rather open for Madonna or Radiohead? And from which crowd would you expect a better response?
For me, Radiohead, though I would say yes, enthusiastically, to Madonna. A Radiohead tour, show, or even just an afternoon tea would be a very awesome thing. Radiohead is a band that I think every member of our band is a big, big fan of. As far as audience response goes, I'd be into experimenting to find out. Madonna? Radiohead?
Having recently released a new EP, which songs are you most excited about playing live? And why?
The whole band loves playing live. We're pretty pumped the whole time. I definitely feel something pretty powerful when we play the song "Bang For Changes". We just added a new song "To Keep Back" to the set. We're all excited to play that one.
Will you be taking your act on the road to the rest of the world anytime soon? Are there any cities you'd most like to play?
Just trying to figure out the perfect time to quit our jobs & live off of peanut butter. I'm trying to convince Bonnaroo and Coachella to have us. We've been talking about going to Bali and Bangladesh. The UK and Japan come up a lot too. I guess you can tell this band is all into touring.
Upcoming tour dates:
November 5, Sputnik, 262 Taaffe Pl, Brooklyn, 9pm, 21 , $7
November 13, Santos Party House, 96 Lafayette St, New York, 8pm, 21
