Track of the Day: Moviola – Zero Sum
Existing on the DIY side of the music scene, five long-time friends bring together their creativity in Moviola. For over 20 years, the US-based group has gained a reputation for engaging, energetic and enthusiastic music earning themselves a strong following. Sharing the stage with some notable names, such as Flaming Lips and Red Red Meat, Moviola is well-versed in performance; however, their creativity exudes from in-studio work as well as gigs. The latest addition to their growing discography is the single ‘Zero Sum’.
Founded by bassist Jake Housh in the 1990s, Moviola saw and transitioned through various sonic trends. From folk-rock to lo-fi to indie-rock, the lads’ discography is eclectic and genre-defying. Over two decades on, Moviola is bringing listeners something unique incorporating yesteryear’s pop and rock sounds into a contemporary pop soundscape. The jangle-pop arrangement adds a bounciness to the single, but also some underlying classic rock guitars adding oomph in the background.
Reminiscent of The Beach Boys and the Beatles, ‘Zero Sum’ has joviality in its upbeat, up-tempo, toe-tapping nature. The thing is, while the track is a warm hug wrapped in a bubblegum pink wrapping, Moviola place a bit of a darker spot on the packaging. Soothing and soulful, ‘Zero Sum’ can have you twirling about in a kaleidoscopic whirlpool; however, the juxtaposition between light and dark is what makes the track profound.
Described as a three-minute jangle pop song, we expect sunshine and happiness, but a much deeper meaning is found within. Touching on the effect of societal issues, ‘Zero Sum’ is a “rush of social criticism in the guise of a Beach Boys chorus and outro…” Filled with vulnerability, fragility and brutal honesty, the upbeat track oozes a palpable grittiness that is modern-day reality – or at least how it is being perceived.
Raw, sentimental, insightful and original, Moviola explores human fragility with a sophisticated complexity in ‘Zero Sum’.
For more from Moviola check out their official website, Instagram and Spotify.
