Zen Boy and Karma Girl represent folk music for the .mp3 generation. Their shtick revolves around being aliens (the outer space variety) commissioned to croon original folk compositions penned by their supercomputer. Yep, the conceptual package is absurd, but …
You would expect the sound to feature a lot of synth, maybe a robot voice here and there and random noise. Time to squash those preconceptions, Zen Boy and Karma Girl are a hybrid of traditional sing-along folk and early Belle and Sebastian. Who They Are and How They Came to Be! focuses on basic acoustics, quirky neo-classic melodies and precious harmonies.
Most neo-traditional folk groups don't croon about wearing the other gender's undergarments ("Copy") or dating a superhero ("Wonder Woman"), portray themselves as extraterrestrials or, most importantly, reach the musical heights that they do. Outside kitsch promotion, they are best represented by tremendous songwriting and storytelling.
At their best, Zen Boy and Karma Girl spin gold with melody, render helpless with delicious harmonies and cause a smirk and thought with provocative off-kilter lyrics. Highlighted examples include: “Copy”, “Two Monkeys”, “Wonder Woman” and “Madison”.
Make sure to check out this dynamic duo of next gen neo-traditional folk. Who They Are and How They Came to Be! capitalizes on their unique symbiosis.
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