Recently, we were presented with the opportunity to review Ideal Zero's EP. Ideal Zero is a female-fronted band based out of Orlando, Florida. Fun fact: lead singer Irina is a New England girl like us! Since S&Em are currently a few hours away from each other, we had to review separately. Sammie's review is up first, Em's will be up later. Both of us would like to thank Ideal Zero for giving us the opportunity to give a listen and an opinion to their EP. Here's what Sammie had to say about each song.
Free Again- If you like Evanescence’s “Imaginary” you’d
definitely like the sound of this song. The song screams girl power and
freedom. Going through a break up? Blast this loud and proud. “Free Again” has
a strong “can’t hold us down” message. It speaks of no longer being oppressed but
trying to fight it “When there's no place left to go, there's no escape,
no way out that you can find, just free your mind. Even if my hands are bound
behind my back, my thoughts won't be tied down.” I feel like a lot of people
would be able to relate to this song. Finding out more of the back story, I
learned that this song is against the communist regime. Singer Irina was born
in Romania during communism and she said she heard horrible stories from her
parents and how “the only way they made it through was keeping their minds free
even when nothing else was.” This is all just a new form of haunting. I LOVE a
song with a powerful message. 4/5 stars
Surrender- Started off a little slow for me. Reminds me of
90s alternative though, which is a personal favorite of mine. It is a song of
losing hope and losing sight of who you are. What is your purpose, why are
things the way they are. We all have asked ourselves “why me” at some point in
our lives, this song kind of highlights that. Definitely a bit of a switch
since “Free Again.” The song ended abruptly for me, I was expecting it to go
on, but definitely a good song to let you know you aren’t alone in these
thoughts. The abrupt ending is fitting
for the message of the song, which lead singer Irina explains is about “that
deciding moment before you commit suicide… because the way I see it, it is
impulsive it’s a now or never moment. ” INTENSE! 3/5
Perfect Prey- The first line of this song got me right away
“I used to think that you were authentic.” That is such a common trend with
people. People think they know someone and then get stabbed right in the
back/heart. This song kind of made me smile in a sick and twisted way. It’s
kind of like “I can and will find out everything despite how sneaky you think
you are.” Never underestimate the power of a pissed off girl. I liked the
dynamics of the song. The lyrics were very in your face in a subtle way, if
that even makes sense. “Show go show
yourself, for who you really are” Don’t you all wish you could just yell that
in someone’s face? It was one of those songs that you start listen to, learn
the words instantly, and then feel like the song is 30 seconds. It’s THAT good.
5/5
I Will Rise- This song had a totally different sound than
the rest in the beginning. It’s amazing the impact one person can have on your
life. Quite inspirational, acknowledging how life can get hard but how you have
to keep on going and try to hold your head up high and conquer every obstacle. As a person who has dealt with a lot of
bullying due to being in and out of a wheelchair, this song hit close to home. Love
the message behind this song and it definitely showcases her vocal abilities to
the fullest. Just this one stanza has an amazing punch to it “Who do you think you are? Who
knew that you would take things so far, and try to deny me of my innocence, but
I will rise and hold my head up high.” I definitely have this
song on repeat. 4/5
Beneath the Sun-This song had more of an electronic sound to
it, which I must say isn’t my favorite. Again, the message behind this song was
incredible and easy to relate to. I feel as though the instrumentals drowned out
the vocals a bit in this song though. “I don’t care what people say” is a great
message “I won’t let them have their way, they can’t stop me from living” is an
even stronger sentiment. This song is definitely fighting against popular
opinion and about being yourself, in which I have to say rock on. 2.5/5
Overall this EP is incredibly powerful. I was moved by the
lyrics and could relate to them and know that others would be able to also. I
sound like a broken record but this is the ultimate “I am woman hear me roar”
type of EP (no the band is not all women). The lead singer, Irina, is reminiscent of
Amy Lee mixed with a touch of Haley Williams, so overall an incredibly powerful
and unique voice. There’s such a genuine rock vibe to this music and I love it!
Definitely an EP I will keep on my iPod and would recommend it to all of my
female friends and even my male friends that dig great music. Definitely be on the lookout for Ideal Zero! You can find their EP on iTunes!
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