Los Angeles, CA band Zulu have released their highly anticipated debut album, A New Tomorrow, out now on Flatspot Records. The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Zach Tuch (Dare, Trash Talk), with vocalist Anaiah Lei taking the lead on production, and a full band effort on instrumentation. It boasts 15 inspiring and eclectic tracks, ranging from towering hardcore and powerviolence, to songs fueled by jazz, hip-hop, and soul. Having already released captivating videos for three singles, today the band shares a powerful short film for the track “From Tha Gods To Earth“. Made in collaboration with director Malakai and Matr3arch production house, you can watch it here now or by clicking the image below.
Lei states on the song: “Even through the history of suffering and trauma, we have managed to push through and continue to strive in life. While we still continue to fight the effects of slavery and the long record of abuse to black individuals, we still prevail and we will continue to do so. In hopes that’s in the future, the generations to come can live in love and harmony as they should be and as we should have been.”
As Malakai comments on the creation process: “Working with Anaiah was a process that really cultivated the collective creativity through and through and brought me out of a very stagnant place after not filming my own art for years. At every step of the way he truly supported the vision of creating a music video that visually expressed the meaning of the song. Matr3atch is focused on visual worldbuilding alongside black artists through genre driven art, film and experimental media. We’re honored to have launched our first project with Zulu, an amazing group of artists who truly inspire us.”
A New Tomorrow starts with the instrumental track, “Africa,” driven by a piano and violin performance supplied by Aisha Burns and Precious Tucker before heading into full force. Exploring through, cuts like “Our Day Is Now” and “Fakin’ Tha Funk (You Get Did)” showcase the band’s penchant for writing heavy riffs and in-your-face breakdowns. “Shine Eternally” and “We’re More Than This” seep into more soulful and jazz inspired sounds, the latter featuring a captivating rap delivery from guitarist Dez Yusuf. To make the album an even more collaborative effort, the band enlisted friends and fellow artists for feature contributions. On “Where I’m From” you’ll find Lei’s vocals complimented by Soul Glo’s Pierce Jordan and Playytime’s Obioma Ugonna; and Truth Cult’s Paris Roberts adds a powerful notion to “52 Fatal Strikes.” The album closes out with “Who Jah Bless No One Curse”, a song about the importance of love that sees the band mastering their fusion-forward sound.
The sense of community Zulu brings throughout A New Tomorrow is also apparent at the band’s fun and chaotic live shows, which have been almost non-stop for the past year. Sharing the stage with acts ranging from Sasami to Comeback Kid, labelmates Scowl and Buggin, to playing an array of festivals from Denmark’s Rokslide to LA’s Sound and Fury. The start of 2023 finds the band on a North American run supporting Show Me The Body and upcoming festival appearances including the Netherlands’ Jera On Air and New Jersey’s Adjacent.
With the release of A New Tomorrow and expansive tour plans, Zulu are looking towards a bright and busy future.
Zulu is vocalist Anaiah Lei (vocals), Braxton Marcellous (guitar), Dez Yusuf (guitar), Satchel Brown (bass) and Christine Cadette (drums).
‘A New Tomorrow’ track-list:
1. Africa
2. For Sista Humphrey
3. Our Day Is Now
4. Music To Driveby
5. Where I’m From (Ft. Pierce Jordan & Obioma Ugonna)
6. Fakin’ Tha Funk (You Get Did)
7. Shine Eternally
8. Must I Only Share My Pain
9. Lyfe Az A Shorty Shun B So Ruff
10. From Tha Gods To Earth
11. Créme De Cassis By Aleisia Miller & Precious Tucker
12. We’re More Than This
13. 52 Fatal Strikes (Ft. Paris Roberts)
14. Divine Intervention
15. Who Jah Bless No One Curse
Tour Dates:
Festivals and UK/Dates w/ Speed
5/27 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Adjacent Festival
6/19 – Paris, FR @ Le Glazart w/ Speed
6/20 – Wiesbaden, GER @ Schlachthof w/ Speed
6/21 – Hamburg, GER @ Logo w/ Speed
6/22 – Berlin, GER @ Hole 44 w/ Speed
6/22-24 – Ysselsteyn, NL @ Jera on Air
6/23-25 – Manchester, UK @ Outbreak Fest
6/23-25 – Ferropolis, GER @ Full Force Fest
7/05 – 08, UK @ 2000trees Fest
