Album Review: Zeal & Ardor – Greif (Redacted)

Zeal & Ardor, the most creative of bands in recent times, returns with ‘Greif’, their fourth full-length and self-produced album, set for release on August 23rd, 2024.

Following three incredibly inventive and genre-bending releases that truly changed the face of alternative music, it’s fair to say that expectation is at an all-time high for Zeal & Ardor’s new album. Something helped by a slew of singles that seemed to suggest this album would be their most varied and challenging to date. Something that does end up ringing true come the end, but something that is expected, almost demanded by both the band and the fans.

Greif creates a myriad of feelings ranging from wonder to bafflement, from elation to despair, from admiration to discontent, and so much more. It’s completely fair to say that this is the group’s most varied release to date, and with that, it may also end up being their most polarising. Greif needs time, it needs multiple listens, and it needs an open mind. Only then does it truly come into focus and even then, it will cause some internal conflict regarding long term memorability.

Zeal & Ardor’s creativity is never in doubt, let’s get that clear, and as difficult as Greif can be, it showcases the genius of both band leader, Manuel Gagnuex and his compatriots fully. It’s just hard to ignore the fact that, at times, it feels like there’s a lack of focus and with that, a lack of consistent cohesion.

Yet, and this is so important, this doesn’t stop it being a brilliant album. Any record that can cause so much feeling, require so much thought, and makes you want to shout about it from the rooftops just so others can help you understand it, is special. Across its run, its 14-track run, it pushes and pulls in all directions but never strains to the point of breaking. There are countless moments, full songs and small snippets that will amaze, and there are countless moments, full songs and small snippets that will frustrate. No-one can tell you what is good or bad here (outside of some obvious aspects) because this is an album all about the individual and how it affects you.

Don’t understand that? Compare tracks like are you the only one now?, Thrill, Sugarcoat, and to my ilk. This is just 4 of the 14 tracks available to listeners and each is wildly different to the other. Except all of them have a vein running through them that ensures you’re never unaware that what you are hearing is Zeal & Ardor. Even if you don’t end up loving what you are hearing.

Greif, over time, will become a seminal Zeal & Ardor release and many of its tracks will be held in as high regard as the likes of Devil is Fine, Church Burns, Come on Down, and Death to the Holy. It’s just going to take a little longer, and a fair few more listens to find that out. It’s worth every second of the time and effort needed though because a band like Zeal & Ardor, and what they are capable of creating, should always be celebrated, even if what is on offer isn’t to your taste. No matter what happens, Greif is only going to increase their profile and turn even more ears in their direction.

Zeal & Ardor – Greif Track Listing:

1. the Bird, the Lion and the Wildkin
2. Fend You Off
3. Kilonova
4. are you the only one now?
5. Go home my friend
6. Clawing out
7. Disease
8. 369
9. Thrill
10. une ville vide
11. Sugarcoat
12. Solace
13. Hide in Shade
14. to my ilk

Links

Website | Bandcamp | Facebook