(Independent Release) Steam Zone is a cohesive venture into the under-explored field of intimate, late-night music that relies on good-intentioned rap and gentle, sensual beats. Amidst its quirkiness (energy crystals and astral sex, anyone?), Steam Zone identifies Marshall Moore’s talents in lyrical construction, music production and kind-hearted seduction.
Steam Zone introduces its persona in the opening bedroom-pop track “Flexing Heavily By the Scenic Overlook,” and carries the “let me romance you” vibe over into “Construction Materials.” “Meet Me on the Astral Plane” was released as a single in April, and is Steam Zone’s most ambitious portion, using recordings of astral projection seminars and other samples to layer the track into a surreal, jazzy dream.
The curiosity of the album is the robo-voiced “We Love Hangin’ Out.” The track is different vocally than the rest of the album, and the hook is reminiscent of the “We Like to Party” intro from the Six Flags commercials, minus the dancing old guy and the aggressive techno-dance beat. It’s strategic, it’s fun, and it fits the album while bringing something new to the table.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.
