Zombi

As much as the word "epic" gets used and abused, it's a tough one to avoid when discussing Zombi. For over a half-dozen years, this Pittsburgh duo's polyrhythmic-loaded, Goblin-esque jams have been in every way massive, reaching a wide angle, prog-obsessed scope that few bands can touch. And yet this 100-percent instrumental outfit are sadly not the most consistent band around, or at least they're not on their latest full-length, Spirit Animal. On the plus side, the opening title track of this five-song, 60-minute affair stands as arguably one of the best Zombi tracks ever put to analog tape, transforming 14 retro-futuristic minutes into a cosmic drone-athon that fulfils all your Italian horror fantasies and then some. And while "Spirit Warrior" comes in a close second, the remaining three tracks shift from atmosphere to groove, which unfortunately makes them way to rigid and repetitive for comfort. Still, that opener alone makes Spirit Animal well worth the trip.