Zomby Woof were a talented German band from the 70s era who only managed to release one 45 and LP in their lifetime. Like many bands from the time and place, Zomby Woof made a go at the symphonic progressive rock style, no doubt encouraged by the success of Grobschnitt, Novalis, Eloy, Jane and the like. Somewhere in that zone where you find kindred spirits such as Tibet, Ramses, M.L. Bongers Project, and Madison Dyke. The music here is fantastic, and the group is firing on all cylinders during the instrumental sections. The Achilles Heel here is a familiar one back in its day: Germans singing in off-key English. And even at that, most of those songs contain lengthy instrumental passages that save the effort. Side 2's nearly 9 minute instrumental opener 'Dora's Drive' is really something special with the Clavinet driving the song in exciting ways with fiery electric guitar solos. The music here really wins the day, and it just takes a bit of patience to sit through some of the vocal sections. Recommended to fans of the 1970s German symphonic style (which includes me), but for others it's probably best to lay off this one.
The Garden of Delights CD adds their one single which I'll cover off below. In addition to that there are two unreleased tracks from 1978 and 1979. 'Highwire Dance' and 'Back Home' are not to be missed, and display a fascinating blend of all-in progressive rock with that of the upcoming New Wave movement. The band were clearly improving as time wore on, and it seems a 1979/1980 album from them would have demonstrated improvement. Alas it was not meant to be.
Personal collection
CD: 2002 Garden of Delights
LP: 1977 Jupiter
Usual great reissue from GoD with full liner notes in German and English, photos, discographies, etc... plus the 4 bonus tracks as mentioned above. I once had the rather mundane original LP over a decade ago, but didn't feel compelled to keep it. A decision I continue to agree with. The CD is perfect here.
Zomby Woof's sole single is nothing more than truncated and edited tracks from their LP proper. Odd choice to promote 'Dora's Drive' as their 45 single, though admittedly it is their best song. But instrumentals were/are usually a tough sale in the AM marketplace.
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