Vancouver indie rock mainstays The Zolas return with a fully realized ode to 80s dance and 90s nostalgia over their 13-track album, Come Back To Life. Drawing inspiration from Brit Pop and cult-classic cinema (think Trainspotting or any Danny Boyle flick), the trio explore socio-political themes with a textured and experimental edge. 

Come Back To Life opens with “Violence On The Planet,” a mesmerizing and psychedelic journey that recalls the true essence of the Madchester movement, setting the scene for a rich and layered album. On “Wreck Beach/Totem Park,” lead singer Zachary Gray’s captivating words remind us that we are settlers on Native land while album highlight, “Another Dimension,” invites Polaris Music Prize short list nominee Cadence Weapon to lend his brazen raps to an esoteric Gorillaz-inspired pop jam.

“PrEP” highlights the impact of the 80s AIDS epidemic with stark lyrics: “Remember all the boys, we were exiles from all around and the family we found were like fireworks when we went out.” In contrast, “Reality Winner” deserves a special mention for its raw electronic synth soundscape that transports you to a sticky and grimy strobe-lit dance floor. 

The Zolas have been playing together for long enough to break boundaries responsibly and they’re ready for us to experience their many passions in this hypnotic offering.