Greetings Zombiologists,
It’s that marvellous time of year when our current students
have all graduated and our new students are still to arrive. This allows me the
benefit of ‘chillax-ing’ as they call it (I think) and take a break from my
academic & scientific duties. So for the next two ZomBlogs’ I’ll be having
a look at some of the more creative contributions to the Zombie World.
Today I’ve been listening to the wonderful new album Remaining Days, from the immensely talented
Aaron Stoquert. Aaron is a New York
folk artist who specialises in his own unique brand of eerie melodies. All of
which are based on the undead and the emotions they might feel. It is this
inimitable quality that I believe makes Aaron’s contribution to the Zombie
genre truly distinctive.
This isn’t the first time I’ve had the pleasure of hearing
Aaron’s work. Some time ago I discussed his EP, Run for your Life, in this very blog. And fans will be pleased to
hear that Aaron’s new album doesn’t disappoint.
We open with The
Guests, a haunting piano melody crackling out amongst a blanket of gritty
distortion. Whilst there are no vocal lyrics, it speaks volumes, setting an
emotional scene that one can visualise playing out across a Zombie apocalyptic landscape.
But this unnerving peace is quickly shattered by Flesh and Bone, an almost threatening
ballad where one feels overtly intimidated by an oncoming Zombie horde, “we're coming for you, say goodbye or hope
to god, that days are spared you.”
Only one track, Last
Day, returns from the original EP. But it does so in splendid form,
sounding bigger and fuller than its predecessor.
A particular favourite song of mine is The Front Lines, a track that is the official theme of War Against
the Walking Dead, a book by Sean T. Page. Sean is well known to us here in his
role as Minister for Zombies (UK), and this track truly captures his writing.
From the military beat of the drums, to the enduring melody, by listening you enter
the mind of someone trapped and fighting for their life against the undead.
I’ll admit that I am by no means a musical connoisseur, nor
expert, but I know what I like, and Remaining Days is one album I truly love.
Aaron has really stepped up from his EP, bringing a bigger, more developed,
sound and range to his new work, whilst not losing the individuality that I
feel makes him a unique voice.
And do join me next time when I’ll be reviewing Zombie
Cities, a new graphic novel from Sorab Del Rio and Silver Fox Comics.
Remember, if any of you out there want to know anything
about the real science behind zombies, do send your questions in to info@zombiescience.co.uk or post
them on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/zombiescience).
I might be relaxing for a little bit, but I’ll be back into science mode soon.
Best wishes,
Doctor Austin
Doctor Austin ZITS BSz MSz DPep, is a
Theoretical Zombiologist and Head of the Zombie Institute for Theoretical
Studies at the University of Glasgow, Scotland UK.
For even more Zombie Science pick up the official Zombie Science book on Amazon now.
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