There Is A Strong Sense Of Identity... Underpinned By An Industrial Framework: ZIGGY WALDRON Makes Debut With “The End Of Everything”

"The End of Everything" is out now [photo: Ziggy Waldron]

I first came across ZIGGY WALDRON through their band Spineless - they were among many review submissions that came my way last year, and I was also able to catch them live at Rampage 1.5 in Kings Lynn. More recently, Ziggy reached out to me regarding their solo EP, self released in December. Whilst not entirely the same, the release is a great listen, highlighting Ziggy's work as a musician and making that wait for new Spineless material a little easier.

Muffled electronics and static noises open up the EP, before a low, ominous riff leads the way with "Through Time". It took me a couple of listens just to double check my headphones were working and the distorted soundscapes were all intentional. Ziggy has shown they're able to blend atmospheres through their work with Spineless, so this is no surprise here, teasing and playing with dynamic shifts as the track weaves in and out.

"Becoming" continues the sound of machinery, grating and flowing with distorted instruments. There's a cinematic edge to the track, an audible representation of the grimy colour grades you'd see in early 2000s horror - I'm looking at you, that murky green tint that dominated the first few Saw films. The latter is also a good descriptor for "Complete Defeat", sounding almost Rob Zombie in its fusion of synths and electronic soundscapes. I was half expecting it to kick into "Scum of the Earth" after that first synthesiser jitter. As it unfolds, it becomes probably the EP's most inaccessible track, showcasing just how heavily Ziggy can lean into these sounds, but there's still some conventional aspects buried under to reel in listeners new to the genre.

There's a distinct Nine Inch Nails-esque sound throughout the whole EP - Ziggy's influences are worn on transparent sleeves. The band's 1999 album "The Fragile" even takes their 'artist's pick' space on Spotify.

Norwich based artist ZIGGY WALDRON [photo: Ziggy Waldron]

By the time the EP ends - with aptly titled "The End" - there is a strong sense of identity, finding the balance between song and score. Even when the EP diverges slightly with piano led "Her", the release is still underpinned by an industrial framework. It's clear that this is Ziggy's own personal playground, removed from other projects, exploring their sound and slowly crafting it to their vision.

"The End Of Everything" is out NOW on streaming platforms