The Sizzos – based in Eugene and Portland – have a new album!
“Glitter in Gravel” is their second full-length studio release.
The new album is a blend of indie rock and shoegaze you just might love.
Songwriter and band frontman George Zaninovich has played with bands in Portland, Eugene and San Francisco for the past 20 years. Recently, Zaninovich made time for us to catch up on the the new release.
PRP: “Love the rock n’ roll vibe of opening track “Back to Cold!” What was the inspiration behind it?”
GZ: “The song was written…during a particularly severe Oregon wildfire season,” says Zaninovich, then adds: “I wanted to create something sonically nostalgic, which led me to more of a shimmering guitar sound and prominent synth.”
“Instead of making a voice memo, I pulled out an old laptop and loaded up garage band. I put the acoustic guitar parts in as rhythm, and lead just through the computer mic. I tweaked the sounds, and all of a sudden it didn’t sound lo-fi…the guitars shimmered and sustained.”
“I decided to build around that sound, adding synth parts next. I let it sit for a year, came back to it, and it was the sonic north star of the new album.”
Have a listen:
Back to Cold
PRP: Really enjoying the contemplative, cinematic vibe of “No Big Sky.” Can you tell us a little bit about that one?
GZ: “It’s about perseverance in hard times, and relationships that can change like winter clouds. It was co-written with Joe Dagostino, who plays banjo and all manner of electric guitar on this album. He played mandolin and some electric guitar on the last album.”
Singer Emily Beebe contributed harmonies to “No Big Sky”
“We had a two-day writing session,” says Zaninovich, “Joe started picking the rhythm electric guitar line. I immediately vibed with it, and we put down the basic beat, rhythm guitars, lead guitars and of course, my dogs howling which you can hear at the beginning and end.”
The song’s sparse rhythms, and stellar harmony vocals by Emily Beebe make “No Big Sky” a track not-to-be-missed.
PRP: “Middle of Forever” is quite beautiful. Anything about it you’d like to share with us?”
GZ: “It’s about the bond of adoption, the strength it takes to maintain relationships, and the type of love and connection that can only come through adversity and committing to stand by each other’s side,” says Zaninovich.
Musician Zaninovich in the studio
“Kabir Green played the acoustic guitar and bass and added beautiful backing vox.”
“The lead guitar, keys and atmospheric sounds were me.”
PRP: “The vocals and wild guitar parts on “Ride The Chrome” make it a standout. What influenced you on this one?”
GZ: “That was the most collaborative song the album. It was also co-written with Joe Dagostino, co-produced with Kabir Green, and has acoustic guitar by Alex Chapman who plays bass for Jeffery Silverstein.”
“This song started as a folk-rock tune…then I started stripping away some guitars and adding synth. Joe added a banjo part and all of a sudden there was this cool mix of sounds between traditional instrumentation and New Wave sounds.”
“Kabir then moved some stuff around, added synth bass and it took on a whole new life. And Joe’s guitar parts throughout make the song really pop.”
Ride the Chrome
More about “Glitter in Gravel”
If you loved “Tule Fog” on “She’s Driving Down,” you’ll love The Sizzos “Disappear” on “Glitter.” “Disappear” was built around a lyre played by Avery Zaninovich.
The new album was mixed and mastered by Alex Chapman; Nich Wu supplied album artwork.
Here’s hoping we’ll hear The Sizzos play a live show sometime soon!
In the meantime, find their music on Bandcamp.
That’s a wrap!
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