Addicted2Fiction- Zero In

Zero In, the debut EP from LA-based Addicted2Fiction, blends new wave elements with quirky alt rock for an impressive and stylistically interesting 6-song set. Sometimes slightly rough around the edges but very interestingly produced and well written, the disc is a somewhat diverse but cohesive outing that incorporates experimental elements and quirky production into catchy pop and alt rock frameworks with interesting, sometimes slightly Siouxsie-esque female vocals.

Shades of Curve underscore "Biological Obstacle", the loudest and most raucous rock offering here, its distorted guitar riffing and pounding layers of percussion accented by new wave synth arpeggios. The following "Stay Gold", conversely, begins as something of a ballad built around what sounds like distorted synth before taking an unexpectedly (and delightfully) bizarre pop turn. "Aftermath" is one of the disc's best, a moodier track with plodding electronic drums and a spectacular, offbeat soaring vocal delivery. Next up, "Aqua" picks the tempo back up for a somewhat odd bass-driven dance number before the quirky pulsating retro analog synth work and great pop melodies of the modern new waver "Jaguar" coalesce into another of the album's standouts. The appropriately upbeat, poppy, and catchy "All Signs Point to Yes" ends the EP with punchy bass and interesting, integral production.

The disc also includes a bonus Quicktime video for "All Signs Point to Yes". Part performance video, part band goofing around, part semi-random footage, and part editing/effects experimentation, it's maybe lacking thematic direction and cohesion (aside from the recurring and expected Magic 8 Ball appearance), but its quirky style, nice rhythm-conscious editing, and visually interesting moments nicely complement the song. Bonus points for the stop motion Lite-Brite animation.

From start to finish, Addicted2Fiction's Zero In is an interesting, stylish, and inventive blend of 80s new wave and 90s/modern alt rock. With a new full-length on the way, apparently showcasing a new direction, it will be interesting to see what the band has in store for the future. For now, Zero In is a very good sampler that, while maybe a wee bit too quirky for those with particularly mainstream tastes, certainly shouldn't be overlooked.