zeitgeist freedom energy exchange: inspire // radicalise
Francisco Espregueira
Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange, known for their genre-bending explorations, return with their fifth and most ambitious project to date, the double album INSPIRE // RADICALISE, released on Energy Exchange. This expansive work, comprising 15 tracks recorded between Berlin and London in January 2024, delves into the core duality identified by bandleader Ziggy Zeitgeist: the push and pull between raw creative instinct and considered artistic reasoning. To bring this vision to life, ZFEX enlisted a formidable crew of forward-thinking musicians from across Europe and the UK, alongside cherished collaborators from their Melbourne, Australia roots. The core rhythm section features Lewis Moody (Nubyian Twist), Szabolcs Bognar (Àbase), Eric Owusu (Jemba Groove), and Tom Varrall (Jamie Cullum), laying a foundation for a diverse array of guest appearances, including the talents of Oscar Jerome and Tom Driessler.
INSPIRE // RADICALISE sees ZFEX venturing into new sonic territories, incorporating the vibrant energy of disco and the infectious rhythms of highlife into their already eclectic sound. Their familiar palette of obscure and vintage music-making machines finds new companionship in the addition of electric guitar, adding another layer to their rich sonic tapestry. This double album, boasting a total of 18 tracks in the studio, represents the most ambitious and diverse incarnation of ZFEX yet, showcasing their unwavering commitment to pushing creative boundaries and forging a sound that is both deeply rooted and thrillingly innovative. Available on vinyl, fusing sounds freely for about a decade, Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange’s new album is one of our soundtracks for the warmness ahead.