The Zombies - “Dropped Reeling & Stupid”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 10

Pairs Well With…The Animals, The Yardbirds, The Doors

It’s interesting to weigh The Zombies’ post-reunion catalog against their 60s hits given upcoming LP Different Game will be the fifth from Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent since 2001. They are still writing psych-rock pop songs, but there’s a bit more jazz and smooth blues that speaks to the band lightening the heavy grooves that made their early tunes so timeless. The most interesting and inventive parts of The Zombies’ new songs are the instrumental passages, Argent mostly taking the lead in a way that is both rooted and tripped out. They are a year away from celebrating the sixty-year (!) anniversary of debut single “She’s Not There” and The Zombies still have something to offer, a guide for all the young rock bands playing besides them at this year’s SXSW. They showcase on the big stage at Stubb’s Wednesday night. (Kevin McStravick)

2013 Review: It always is a difficult task to write about a legendary act like The Zombies in the company of so many up-and-coming artists.  While most music fans could sing along with “She’s Not There” and “Time of the Season”, there may be some of you who haven’t made their 60s rock journey.  A key part of the ‘British Invasion’ movement, The Zombies led the psychedelic angle alongside The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.  Unfortunately, The Zombies disbanded after just two records and over a dozen singles.  After some brief reunions in the 90s, founders Colin Blunstone (vocals) and Rod Argent (organ) reformed The Zombies in 2001 and have released a couple of albums including 2011’s Breathe Out, Breathe In.