### ZZ Top: La futura

#### 19/12/12 || Habakuk

Well, just because we deal in metal that don’t mean we’re supposed to close our eyes and ears when the masters of beard step up again and release their first effort in nine years. And since no-one else seems to feel any pressure (Hello! Beards!), I’ll just go ahead before the year comes to an end.

So let’s get it on with a big ba-doom-tish right away: “La Futura”? More like “el pasado”! Get it? Right. So the three southerners sound nothing like they’re moving forward. This feels like a step back in time, or rather like the idea of “time” is some Yankee bullshit that never made much sense anyway. As such, they definitely listen to the voice of the people. Is there anyone who wants these guys to do something else than being ZZ Top? Not in my world.

The biggest shocker then is fittingly that the Rick Rubin production has the guitar magically sounding fuzzy and flimsy at the same time – BIG DEAL. Believe me, after the opening riff, which admittedly forces that notion onto you, you’ll be used to that. Moving on, we get a rehash of “Sharp dressed man” and a rehash of that rehash, but what else should I ask for? The album then fringes out a little anyway, with a little bit of Blues here, a few ballads there, and a bit of self-recital just around the corner. Easy. My only problem is the song “Flying High” – or rather its chorus, which sounds a bit too much like a shitty radio station. Too bad, as the derivative riffing around it would actually suit me just fine.

So, this ain’t rocket science. ZZ Top keep doing their thing, and nine years mean nothing when you look at dat beard. If you have never liked this band, your view on the world is safe. If you have, then tiny gripes like those to be found shouldn’t put you off. Everybody keep calm and carry on, as they say left, right and center these days. Believe me, ZZ Top will survive even without any new fans.

- Information
- Released: 2012
- Label: American Records
- Website: www.zztop.com
- Band
- Billy Gibbons: vocals, guitars
- Dusty Hill: bass, vocals
- Frank Beard: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. I gotsta get paid
- 02. Chartreuse
- 03. Consumption
- 04. Over you
- 05. Heartache in blue
- 06. I don’t wanna lose, lose you
- 07. Flyin’ high
- 08. It’s too easy mañana
- 09. Big shiny nine
- 10. Have a little mercy