CD REVIEW
Zen meets Zan in Lolli Zan's 'Ancient Girl'
by ROBERT E. KUPCZYK Entertainment Associate Editor

On the first listen of Lolli Zan's "Ancient Girl," I could tell this EP was different.

Lasting a little more than 15 minutes, the 2006 Hymn Hum Records release mixes elements of Indian music, electronic music, great production and most importantly, memorable songs.

The title track, "Ancient Girl," begins with a musical feel that reminded me of Ace Frehley's "Back in the New York Groove," and George Michael's "Faith," sprinkled with Indian guitar-style riffs and drumming. Backing keyboards complement the verse. The chorus is quite memorable with a call and response between singer Nimesh "Nimo" Gandi and background vocals ("Oh, now, do you want to" ... "hey girl" ... "Hey, girl, do you feel true" ... "ancient girl").

"Forever" begins with keyboards and a drum machine right out of the 1980s. The song features a hummable chorus carried by a poppy guitar part.

"Pitter Patter" can't hide the George Harrison influence. It even has a Beatlesque voice rambling about something in the background. It sounds musically fresh compared to what is out there today.

"Ancient Girl," the Dirty Bach Mix, is an embellishment on the first track with more production and playing from the band.

The NYC-based Lolli Zan consists of Nimo Gandi on lead vocals and guitar, Elizabeth Tapia on vocals and keyboards, W. Moses on bass, Mark Allen Tipton on brass and Vin Scialia on drums.

Produced by Craig Bevan, the EP was recorded, mixed and mastered at LFR Studio in Jersey City, N.J.

For more information on Lolli Zan, visit www.lollizan.com or www.my space.com/lolliz an.