Bands these days are typically based around some heavy guitar or vocal style. Well, On Beyond Zee has something different in mind.

Their latest release, Mush, is a collection of jazz-influenced vamps that are laced with humor, skill and thought. The title track is a fun, story-telling tune that is full of On Beyond Zee's trademark piano noodlings (compliments of J.P. Powell).

On Beyond Zee's most powerful asset is their resistance to sound like other bands. Honestly, I can't think of another group that so effortlessly utilizes funk bass and classical piano so well. Some of it brings to mind a modern-day Steely Dan, but with more of a jazzier taste. True artists simply sound like themselves, and this is where On Beyond Zee is coming from.

The changes are crisp and certain, flowing from straight passages into swing measures and out again. And while the vocals are secondary, they still play a role in the overall hypnotic mood the music creates.

If you're into new, creative music or you like to hear what real musicians can do when they get together, check out Mush.

Reviewer:  Mike Doyle, courtesy of Flash Magazine.