The Other Side of Zero
Release Date: October 26th via Verve Forecast

01. Time (We All Fall Down)
02. You and Me
03. Julian, Darling
04. Thank You For Nothing
05. Go Away My Lover
06. The Horse and the Missing Cart
07. Open Book
08. Worn Out Tune
09. The Other Side of Zero
10. Dreamcatcher
11. Do Not Hang Your Head

In this light, Brooklyn songwriter Elizabeth Ziman and her “Catapult” (consisting of ace drummer Danny Molad and other assorted quality players) have the deck mightily stacked in their favor. E+TC’s first full-length album (2009′s Taller Children) delivered a gorgeous and giddy collection of fully-formed tracks running the gamut from childlike wonder to world-weary philosophy and if that release was the sum of their work being born into the world, then their new album finds them looking back on that process and looking forward with a smarter, more refined purpose.

It may be a bit clichéd to say these songs sound older and wiser, but The Other Side of Zero does highlight a bit of a shift from young and playful to wizened but appreciative. Starting out strong and grounded with “(Time) We All Fall Down,” Ziman displays sober, steady perspective, decreeing “You shouldn’t try to push the planets ’round / It’s enough to put our next foot on the ground,” the lyric riding a measured, slowly marching piano and expertly restrained rhythm section. From there the Catapult launches into a seamless pop contender with the brightly bouncing “You & Me,” displaying a firm command of sticky-sweet melody which is so present in so many of their creations.

The greatest (or at least my favorite) quality in this band’s sizable bag of tools is their spot-on ability to compose and arrange songs in unexpected, inventive ways. Low-rolling missive “Julian, Darling,” the slow and yearning “Open Book,” and shadow-casting loomer “Worn Out Tune” all start out simply enough, but once you’re hooked by the easily accessible foundation, they shift into unpredictable sonic territory with stop-time rhythms and time signatures, unique chord chemistry, slightly off-kilter guitar lines, and always-captivating melodies and lyrical marksmanship. The track “Go Away My Lover” needs nothing more than a handclap rhythm and catchy hook to get you embedded immediately, but once it hits the chorus of whistles it becomes a wonderland of subtle percussive delights and in-the-corners accouterments, spinning slowly in a surreal sort of grown-up fairytale.

Elizabeth Ziman’s gift for wordplay is a mighty force throughout this impressive collection, suggesting you “Don’t want to live by too many morals / Despite what your elders whispered in the cradle / Don’t want to write the end before the start” in sly lyrical playground “The Horse & the Missing Cart,” and confessing “I was determined to believe every prayer’s accounted for / Now it’s plain to see, only the wind was listening” on the stunning title cut, which also employs a perfectly-placed pedal steel accompaniment on its way to breaking your heart.

Whether they’re shooting for the stars or simply sitting in a quiet corner watching the world pass by, this is a group of artists capable of ably running every race they attempt, with as formidable an arsenal of songwriting talent as I’ve seen in a band to date. And if the songs themselves are creative treasures, when delivered in Ziman’s devastatingly affecting lilt they’re a perfect fit every time. As stated in slowly meandering centerpiece “Open Book”: “Won’t you take a second look / I promise I’ll be good.” This album is a strong case and a bulletproof second look at compositional talent which is amazingly solid and only growing stronger.

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Get full rundowns on Elizabeth and the Catapult at elizabethandthecatapult.com.
Get the full download of The Other Side of Zero on iTunes.

Elizabeth & the Catapult: A pop/rock trio from Brooklyn.
Preview: “Taller Children”
First Impression: An enjoyable pop song with a smooth sound.
Listen To: When you’re struggling with the darker side of your Peter Pan complex.
»Save It: “Taller Children”

Hopewell: An American rock band from New York.
Preview: “Island”
First Impression: A band highly influenced by space rock.
Listen To: When you’re pumping yourself up for a schoolyard fight.
»Save It: “Island”

The Low Anthem: A trio that focuses on narrative folk music.
Preview: “Charlie Darwin”
First Impression: Sounds like a hymn.
Listen To: When natural selection starts to get you down.
»Save It: “Charlie Darwin”

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