As an artistic concept they draw influences from Slavic eighties punk fused with nineties American alternative and British pop

5 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Emo, POP: Beatles-pop



Details:
Zhenia Koval-vocal, guitar
Derreck Whitlatch- guitar
Eric George-bass, vocal
Justin Cape-drums

Imagine what you'd have if you could somehow create a musical group with the finest qualities had by the Russian group, Kino, Seattle's Nirvana, and David Bowie. Now forget whatever it is that you've thought of, because nothing that you could have imagined can prepare you for ROZ, a musical phenomenon that is a beautifully strange amalgamation of Eastern European punk rock, American "alternative", and British Manchester-Pop.

Zhenia Koval, was born and raised in the Ukraine, but finally arrived in Chicago in 1994 by way of his adopted home in Lincoln, Nebraska. Although he originally came to the city to study film, he was, at heart, a talented guitarist and songwriter, and he immediately immersed himself in the local music scene.

One of his first projects in Chicago drew from his experiences with the thriving indie rock scene in Nebraska, home of Saddle Creek Records and such bands as Bright Eyes, Cursive, and Strawberry Burns. This solo effort, simply called Zhenia, had two important outcomes: the start of his collaboration with guitarist, Derreck Whitlatch, and the writing of the song, "Looking at the Sky." These two events marked the beginning of Raised on Zenith.

Zhenia and Derreck met in 2001 through mutual friends, and began playing music together after discovering that they had similar tastes and influences. They also shared a common vision for a new musical group; one that expanded on the delicate beauty of Zhenia, but required the addition of key personnel. At different venues throughout Chicago, including the Beat Kitchen, Lion's Den, and a small-but-popular weekly event hosted by PolyRhythmic at the Trace, they met the final pieces that would complete their new sound. The two remaining members of ROZ would prove to be the perfect complement to Zhenia's unique vocal and musical style.

At different venues throughout Chicago, including Elbo Room, Beat Kitchen, Lion's Den, Subterranean, the Note and a small-but-popular weekly event hosted by PolyRhythmic at the Trace, they met the final pieces that would complete their new sound. The two remaining members of ROZ would prove to be the perfect complement to Zhenia's unique vocal and musical style.

Justin Cape had recently been performing and recording with local hard rock band, Tracking the Sasquatch. The most recent addition to the band, Bassist Eric George, brings both a lyrical touch and a hard rocking aspect to the rhythm section. Strangely, what seemed like an unlikely combination of widely different styles and influences would become the harmonious brew known as ROZ.


For additional information please visit us at
www.raisedonzenith.com