See You There

Album Review

On See You There, Zikzak offers its unique style of pop songs. Todd Stadtman is the undeniable vocal leader of the group, leading on vocals on all but one song. David Rubinstein is the instrumental leader, performing all of the guitar and keyboard work. The duo's graceful and classically structured songs might be what Frank Sinatra might have sounded like if he had come of age in the 1990s. The piano and Stadtman's vocals on "Halfway Down" are prime examples of the group's artistry and seamless execution of the songs. As the disc continues, Stadtman's voice becomes even more impressive, composed, and emotional, in the vein of Morrissey. Rubinstein checks in on vocals on "You Choose," singing in his own raw and emotional voice. Stadtman takes back the vocal reins on "Everybody Look Into the Sun," a song of varying tempos. The music becomes more frantic as the disc nears an end, on the mesmerizing "You Say That Love Is Everything," which leads to the serene ballad "My Brilliant Angel"." Stadtman and Rubinstein take out all of their musical ammunition on "Everything There Is to Have," a perfect album closer. See You There was recorded at Grubby Studios in North Carolina, as well as Tsh Studios in Los Angeles. Bitter Records released the album in 1999.