“Zirconium Meconium”: A Dreamy Album by Fever the Ghost
The band Fever the Ghost is not a household name just yet. Beginning their rise to prominence in the Los Angeles region, their music is frequently described as psychedelia, glam rock, sci-fi pop, and psych pop. With a five man lineup and an Extended Play (EP) behind their backs, Fever the Ghost made 2015 the year to release their first full-length album, “Zirconium Meconium.”
The new album cannot be put into a single genre or category. Each song takes the listener on an entirely different journey, digging its claws into an area of music unbeknownst to the listener. One thing is for certain, though, and that is Fever the Ghost knows how to make some really catchy hooks. Between the glitchy, electronic samples and distorted piano are choruses that will make anyone’s foot tap.
The band has described the album as a “collection of songs musically interpreting the third dimensional integration process from the perspective of vital force energy incarnating into the physical world.” It sounds trippy and out-there, but Zirconium Meconium has a pop sound with a dreamy feel to it that can appeal to anyone. It is certainly weird and a huge departure from songs heard on the radio today, but there is a certain charm to it that needs to be heard to be understood.
Fever the Ghost makes generous use of layering on this album. Every song has a cacophony of sounds going on at once. Somehow the band makes this work and never does this layering hamper a song in the slightest.
“Zirconium Meconium” is full of energy and rarely stops to take a breath. Songs are fast, upbeat, and very ‘in your face’ from start to finish. Minus a few transitions and slower-tempo songs, this theme carries on for most of the album. On top of this, the band uses jarring electronic samples and glitch noises to add a jarring feel to the album. It puts the listener on edge a bit, but the band makes it work by not overdoing it.
Stand-out tracks include “Rounder II,” “Hinterland,” “Surfs Up!…Nevermind.,” “1518,” and “Sun Moth.” While every track is an experience in and of itself, these few stand above the rest and really show what Fever the Ghost is capable of. The album is laid out like a stream of consciousness and listening to the entire thing front to back is the best way to take it all in.
Fever the Ghosts’ debut full-length album “Zirconium Meconium” is quite the journey. Midst all the weirdness is a truly great album with tons of catchy hooks and choruses to keep the most casual listener entertained. Never sticking to one genre or theme, there is something for everyone to enjoy within the 13 tracks of this album. “Zirconium Meconium” is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play.