Opening track, ‘Cane Dangler’, begins with Leo P’s trademark bari sax, with some classic New Orleans brass coming in soon after afterward. An electronic sounding bass then quickly emerges, underpinning the whole sound. It’s impressive to note how the majority of the song is simply based on one repeating refrain, yet they manage to do so much with it – arousing such interest and intrigue along the way. And then the slight chord changes that do appear in the chorus section add that extra layer of harmonic spice upon their arrival. Of course, we also have featured an excellent sax solo, demonstrating real virtuosity.
‘Command No Go’ then features another similar intro from the bari sax, with the whole band suddenly kicking in from nowhere, feeling like a punch to the chest. This song has some serious high level energy, and doesn’t hold back at all. Instrumentally, this is a great display of how one can play lead lines whilst simultaneously maintaining the underlying rhythm. The many layers we also hear really beef up the sound too – it’s exceptionally groovy. And the song just never seems to want to end – it could easily go on for many many more refrains.
And then track three, the title track, is ‘Pecking Order’. Alongisde the bari, this song’s intro makes excellent use of percussion from the King of Sludge within the introduction. There’s some great Latin vibes to this one, placing the listener right within the centre of carnival. And it also utilises elements of the classic house genre – it’s no wonder they refer to their style as brass house. Of course, we once have again another virtuosic solo from Leo P, like no other can. Indeed, no other band at all can quite make one want to dance like these do. The many layers build and build until we’re left with the sound of what is seemingly the best party one can imagine.
Too Many Zooz are one of the most consistently impressive acts out there. There’s occasionally something of a divide between bands who are the most impressive in terms of musical talent, and those who make the catchiest songs – yet Too Many Zooz show that this need not be the case. With all three members being very accomplished musicians, and with their ability to write some of the most entertaining and original music to have emerged over the past few years, the act have demonstrated their uncanny ability to create music that’s enjoyable on all levels. Pecking Order is yet another example of that.
