It’s no surprise that John Dwyer had over 40 songs to choose from when he put ZUZAX together. This dude’s incredibly prolific. The eleven tracks he did select for the record are eclectic and erratic, just like their creator. Dwyer’s an evil genius, who dons and doffs disguises as needed, and with ZUZAX he brings this mutant spirit to the forefront. Alien icons Bowie and Bolan; underground freaks like Ian Svenonius and Brainiac’s Tim Taylor; funky and macabre virtuosos like Nick Cave and Prince: the psychic imprints from all these iconoclasts seep deep into the grooves of this record. Dwyer harnesses these vibes and thrusts his own restless imagination into the mix to create the most effervescent Damaged Bug record to date.
Damaged Bug started out as a Dwyer solo project, allowing him to toy with synths and electronics outside of his main Osees reality. Over time, current and past bandmates and collaborators dropped in to aid and abet Dwyer, adding flesh to the corroded synth carcasses he was growing. ZUZAX continues this trend, including contributions from Brigid Dawson, saxophonist Brad Caulkins, Tom Dolas, and drummers Nick Murray and Paul Quattrone. Dwyer’s slimy techno-organic vision is still intact, skulking along fried circuit board traces in search of blown transistors and melted tissue, but with faint echoes of pop, garage rock, and dark crooner vibes.
Vocals, synths, and drums form the core of ZUZAX, as Dwyer and his pals pit vintage tech against beefy rhythms. Melodies, when they’re apparent, warp and slide around, often fracturing into gristly stabs and throaty gurgles. Deceptively complex grooves appear straightforward on the surface; probing reveals the hidden layers of subtle syncopation hiding just off the main path. Early tracks “End of the War” and “Double Yolks” highlight Dwyer’s musical subterfuge, which is punctuated by duelling vocals from he and Dawson. These electro-garage bangers are just the setup for the cybernetic tornado “Mozzy Rooves & More.” This is simultaneously the zaniest, the most psychedelic, and the grooviest track that Dwyer offers up, with swarms of boiling synth squall, a jazzy drum pattern, and Caulkins’ slithery sax all swirling together into a glorious cacophony.
Dwyer unloads heaps of the uncanny over these tunes. The multi-organ and guitar swirl of “Sike Witch” comes off like the soundtrack to an Italian giallo film from the 1970s. He channels Prince’s intense falsetto on “Junk Food,” bouncing across a minimal drum and synth soundscape. The mystery reaches its peak with “Over-Exposed” and “Man Without a Planet.” Here, Dwyer becomes a sinister crooner in the vein of Nick Cave or Scott Walker, his voice deepening and dropping into a nest of frayed electronics. The elegance is palpable, and a new but welcome direction for the chameleonic musician.
Working on a new track called "What I'm about". With some help from @hendr_ck #zuzax #kingkong #PigeonForge #EDM #HouseMusic (at Hampton Inn North Las Vegas/Speedway)
I've got a new original track out on soundcloud.com/zvzax Running Through my Head #electricforestopencastingcall2016 #Runninthrumyhead #housemusic (at Wheat Ridge, Colorado)
I have been grinding away sleepless nights at this laptop with my Moog and MPK and have a bunch unreleased music. After performing with Lost Lingo, The Breaktone, Rand Larzeny and working every job you can think of, I positioned myself to move to Denver and start a new musical journey. First thing I needed was a name, I decided on Zuzax because it is the name of the exit where my house was growing up. I’m releasing this mix of mostly original tasty dance grooves with conviction, promising anyone and everyone who has been showing their support for my musical endeavors over the years that I will release some freshy Future Classic, Bass, and Funky House as Zuzax in 2016! Thank you to everyone who has encouraged my pursuit of music and stood by my through bands splitting up and career changes along the way. Get ready for some fresh Live/Electronic sets and live DJ sets coming your way this year.
Those of you who know me well know that my musical tastes span many genres and I try to keep an open mind to make what inspires me and sounds good. I play every instrument I can get my hands on and am always beat-boxing or singing. I enjoy the art of songwriting so much and you no doubt be hearing some more live band oriented music from me soon, but I want to share my excitement about this project because it is my own. Zuzax is my brainchild, and I intend to cut my teeth with it and make it great. The next release I have planned will be a debut EP called “Wolfram”. Please communicate with me about what you want to hear, what you like, and stay tuned. Thank you for listening, I Love you.
I will be releasing electronic and funk music from the moniker Zvzax. Please head over to SoundCloud and give it a follow. Here is a chill, G-Funk - Modern Funk mix I started in Phoenix in June. I performed a live version with Rand Larzeny at the High Mountain Hideout over Labor Day Weekend in Taos New Mexico. Right now I'm working on a funky-house mix called AirDrop.
