Review: Zofff - Kozfest MMXVI

Zofff were not exactly a 'new' name to me..I had heard a few whispers and veiled references in the past..but I had not heard any material. When the news came through that they were to be the next release on the excellent Drone Rock Records, well....if it's received that stamp of approval it's gotta be good right? Right! Zofff, for those who don't know, are an "experimental psychedelic band from the south coast of England" comprising members Chris Anderson (Bass, Organ), Bic Hayes (Guitar), Al Strachan (Synth, Electronics, Trumpet), Damo Waters (Drums) and Richard Gorbutt (Modular Synth). This album is a sonic document of the band's appearance at Kozfest last year (hence the title!), a forty minute set of intelligent improvisation that certainly whets the appetite for their appearance at this year's Liverpool Festival of Psychedelia.

Sensibly Drone Rock have just split the set into 2 (one for each side natch) and so ensuring a fluid sense of momentum and continuity and, more importantly, allows the band's inherent sense of improvisation to shine through. As to the music itself? Well, to put simply, it is breathtaking. These guys seem to have music flowing through their very veins - the sonic extemporising strikes as being organic and integral...nothing forced or 'out of place'. Zofff's particular brand of psychedelia takes in space rock (courtesy of some sci-fi electronica), krautrock motorik rhythms and some seriously heavy fuzzed out guitars at times. However, certainly on the basis of this live recording, they almost defy categorisation such are the breadth of influences on show; some PiL drums circa 'Flowers of Romance' sit cheek by jowl with some Tangerine Dream swathes of luscious synth; some seriously good guitar flinging is underscored by what sounds like an organ a la Iron Butterfly. These guys mix and match but the result is never anything less than an exhilarating ride through the psychedelic arena. My only regret is that I wasn't one of those transfixed in the Kozfest audience.

As mentioned, Kofff are playing Liverpool in September, and after hearing this, I will be slap bang at the front. Drone Rock have done us all a favour bringing wider exposure to this band...a real revelation. I've waxed lyrical about the label in the past but with every passing release they show what a keen eye for talent they have....and a knack for capturing the psych zeitgeist. Brilliant record by an accomplished group of improvisors!. 'Kozfest MMXVI' is available from the Drone Rock webstore here and is available in a colour-in-colour effect, a black “blob” on brilliant white vinyl.