Album Review: Come Closer

Ed Zuccollo, stage name Zuke, is a renowned producer and master of synthesisers based in Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. He’s also known for his work with the likes of Trinity Roots, is also a member of KITA, and has made marks in his solo DJing career, performing at festivals such as Northern Bass, Splore, KiwiBurn, AUM and loads more. Fast forward to the present day of 2024; his first full-length album Come Closer has now landed.

By way of some very 80’s-esque digital whoops and whirls, we’re invited aboard this journey into Zuke’s creations. Unlike most electronic music, Zuke lets the first two-thirds of intro track Ice Bear build momentum and tension before releasing the big drop. The bass is heavy, and the dubstep feel envelopes you. Sound effects that resemble icebergs colliding or glaciers splitting certainly plays well into the polar vibe of the track title.

Assumedly a tribute to a close relation or companion, How We Met soars with echoing chords that seem to linger on and on. There are definitely some personal emotions woven into this composition. Interestingly, it’s also the most dance-oriented of the album, with a regular 4/4 time, blended with slick and groovy synth arpeggios powering the track along.

The album takes a grimier and darker turn with Hazel Tales, where soaring synths sing, bongos and snare drums rattle over pumping, dubstep beats. In similar ways, Xul also takes on a groovy, moody and urban feel. In this instance, the dubstep wobbles and stomping beats are swapped out for a mid-tempo rhythm with offbeat drums, making Xul sound futuristic yet modern.

To my ears, the most impressive piece is Pillars of Creation, presumably named after and inspired by the famous Hubble photograph of stars being born. Light, sparkling notes denote the myriad of stars, while expansive background synths evoke the sheer vastness of such astral environments. One definitely feels like they’re travelling through space thanks to the slow, ambling tempo, as the hum of synths create floating, ethereal sensations. This is truly a masterclass in theatre-of-the-mind.

The final two pieces, Time and the eponymous Come Closer, could almost blend into one another. Whilst the former is far more down-tempo and more atmospheric, the two are experimental to almost becoming abstract. Synthesisers bleep and bubble across the two, occasionally detracting attention from the hazy yet bold chord progressions, in a free-form jazz kind of way. As I’m no expert on synthesisers, I imagine someone who is would be blown away by this work.

Come Closer balances the urban with the arcane and blends digital with organic ambience. Zuke showcases his prowess utilising synthesisers to their full effect, crafting everything from fluttering melodies and jittering fills to cosmic booms and dulcet tones.

At times, dark and brooding, uplifting and energising at others, this 8-track LP crosses a multitude of electronic genres. This is a journey through eclectic moments of dubstep, deep house, lo-fi, trip-hop and ambient chill, all delivered with detail and atmosphere in mind. Believe people when they say Zuke knows his way around a synthesiser.

Come Closer will undoubtedly make for a deeply engaging listen for electronic music fans with an open mind, and a fantastic journey into the vast world of synthesiser music. Keep all eyes out for Zuke in productions, live DJ sets, and of course, future releases.

In the meantime, give Zuke’s debut album a listen on Spotify, SoundCloud, and follow him on Facebook.