PART ONE
ON that fateful night (22.2.18), Zool put on the first of its ZOOLRADAR exhibitions at The Menagerie – and it went so well we secured a monthly residency at the venue. Alpha Twin unveiled a slew of highly anticipated new songs and riffs. WASPS transformed the menagerie horde into the rowdiest crowd we’ve seen them play to – just in time for Mosmo Strange to do what we do.
“RADAR 1 was a huge success – our eyes were opened to the support that we actually have, and it really set a standard for how we wanted the nights to go on.
First up, Alpha Twin absolutely blew the roof off with their opening set. I was on the merch-desk at this point, which was good for a couple of reasons; 1. I was safe from the already hectic moshing going on involving maybe the biggest crowd I have ever seen for an opener at a local music gig. 2. I was right beside the brand new speaker system in The Menagerie and it sounded incredible.
Following Alpha Twin on this night would be hard for anyone, but WASPS more than rose up to the challenge. Danny yelling ‘UPPA FUCKIN’ PEELERS’ then making the crowd yell it back is in contention for my favourite gig moment of the year so far. Tight as a duck’s hole as per usual.
Next up was ourselves, the boys (or Mosmo Strange to everyone else) – and we were raring to go. I really loved playing that set, my Crash cymbal had a life of its own and even ended up in the crowd, twice.
Overall the night blew me away, the support for Zool and our mission to bring local artists together was amazing – everyone I spoke to seemed to have had the best time, as did everyone at Zool Records.”
– Ashley Hellview Hamilton
PART TWO
“The second monthly ZOOL RADAR show featured a ‘rotating door’ performance fittingly named the ZOOL HIVE; a collaborative project featuring many of Zool’s nearest and dearest – including members of Alpha Twin, Mosmo Strange, Part Time Pilots, WASPS and Judas Wolves.
Opening the show were FERALS with their Zool debut. They did not disappoint, providing some huge atmosphere and helping set the tone for the rest of the night. Having seen FERALS play a few times since, they are only getting better as they go on. Keep an eye on these guys. (Click here to watch their new video for Brendan Rogers)
Next up was another Zool newcomer in the shape of WILLOWARE JACKSON. The 3 piece took the place by storm, immediately gripping the whole audience from centre stage all the way to the back of the room. Drums, Bass, a vocalist and a shitload of groove, WILLOWARE JACKSON blew me away at RADAR 2 and we can’t wait to work with them again soon.
Finally, it was time to unleash the ZOOL HIVE upon the unsuspecting Menagerie goers. We worked tirelessly to prepare the ZOOL HIVE set over the whole month running up to RADAR 2, while trying to keep our cards close to our chest about what exactly ZOOL HIVE was going to be. In the end we played a 2 part headline set with a short intermission, featuring covers and originals of Zool bands, as well as mashups like Danny’s (WASPS) cover of Dark Sunglasses, and Mosmo Strange Feat. Enda McCrory covering Tom Waits’ timeless groover – ‘Goin’ Out West’. My personal highlight of the evening was playing a cover of Alexisonfire – Young Cardinals with CJ (Judas Wolves), Beth, Nolan and Mundo.
(We will be putting together a ZOOL HIVE CD which will be available for purchase online or at the next Zool event)
I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank all involved for your time and effort, it was essential in having it turn out as rad as it did.
Until next time… ”
– Ashley ‘Hellview’ Hamilton
PART THREE
The third monthly ZOOL RADAR show featured performances from Les Pantalons, NOLAN & The Zool Boyz and the supernal Foreign Owl.
(‘YR’, a track we recorded for Foreign Owl just before we started Zool Records!)
Vadim Zeberg (guitar/vocals for Les Pantalons) approached Nolan and myself at Zool RADAR 2 – ZOOL HIVE to talk about working with us, and we got him a slot at the next one! Les Pantalons opened their RADAR debut with a raw and jittery performance, setting a dark vibe with their noisy folk rock.
(Click here to Listen to their newest single, Krankenwagon!)
Following Les Pantalons were NOLAN & The Zool Boyz featuring guest/surprise performances from Gavin Scott (Mosmo Strange) and Enda McCrory (Part Time Pilots/Mongol Gentlemens Club). The set was really fun to play, we included new versions of tunes as well as some fun covers. Personal highlight was our sludge version of dirty Mongol Gents tune ‘She’s ridin’ the country’.
(It was also Nolan’s 24th birthday!)
Lastly, the must-see Foreign Owl took to the stage much sooner than their set was supposed to start in order to assume meditative positions. The trio sat peacefully and cross legged on the stage until they all seemed to at once come out of their trance and straight into their set. Foreign Owl bring an unhinged energy to every set I have had the pleasure of watching them play, and RADAR 3 was no different, tune after tune had the crowd hanging on every note. Personal highlight of the set for me was their R&B infused monster, ‘Pink Nose’.
Next up we have ZOOL RADAR 4 Feat. Judas Wolves, MOSA, NEWT and Hit the B Button (fresh off an awesome EP launch check it out!). 31st of May! See you there!
– Ashley ‘Hellview’ Hamilton
PART FOUR
ZOOL RADAR 4 featured Judas Wolves, MOSA, NEWT and Hit The B Button – highlighting bands who we’ve recently completed projects with. With the stage set at the last Zool RADAR (for the time being at least) I was excited to take the stage with Judas Wolves to slap out some heavy riffage for the Menagerie going faithful. Bar a few issues with tuning I felt the set showed signs of real progress musically and it’s been great working on new material with the guys, keep an eye out for a Judas Wolves release via Zool in the near future.
Next up were MOSA who brought their massive sound and vibes in what was undoubtably the loudest set of the night. Personal highlight of this set was their cover of Territorial Pissings by Nirvana.
Following MOSA we had NEWT with a debut from Nolan on guitar. This set swung in with a ferocious groove that had the menagerie swaying back and forth (with intermittent headbanging) until the set was done. Props to Nolan and the boys for getting up to speed with only a few days to prepare. Uppa thumb picks!
Finally we had our brothers in Hit The B Button to headline, and it was a blast. Nolan and I had caught the guys EP launch in Pavillion a few weeks back – having become so familiar with the new tunes in the time since, we enjoyed this set even more. An all round stellar performance from the guys, combining pop-punk, hard rock and even math elements into their set flawlessly and giving us all a great send off at the last Zool RADAR of the season. (Watch the video we made for the boys’s latest single below!)
All in all a fantastic night was had, it was nice to get a big celebration in before the busy Summer to come. ”
-Ashley Hellview Hamilton
ZOOL RECORDS 