★★★★☆

Afterlifeis the second album from Melbourne eight-piece No Zu.

Their fluid lineup means their sound is ever-changing, and pigeonholing them into one genre is difficult at best, but this is not something to be deterred by. It is a feat, if nothing else, to see a band this large coordinate its vast musical talents into such a cohesive sound.

The vocal style of Afterlife is characterised by an almost tribal chanting, alternating between high-pitched female melodies and baritone spoken-word that conveys a great sense of sexual urgency. This vocal styling laid over warped synths, saxophone and a seemingly never-ending dance beat comes to fruition in the track ‘Spirit Beat’. The wavering beats of the excellently named ‘Ui Yia Uia’ are truly something to work your most seductive moves to.

No Zu are the kind of band that you stumble upon at a festival, catching you completely by surprise with their infectious beats, and bringing you back from the dead and the grips of whatever comedown you are experiencing. If Afterlife doesn’t get you dancing, you must have one helluva excuse.

No Zu’sAfterlifeis out now on Chapter.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine