Whole Lotta Love by Zikato: A Synth-Pop Time Capsule from 1990
Let’s get one thing straight—Zikato’s Whole Lotta Love isn’t perfect, but damn if it doesn’t stick to your brain like gum on a summer sidewalk. Released in 1990 under the Day-Glo label, this European gem blends pop and electronic vibes with that oh-so-80s (yeah, I know it’s technically the ‘90s) synth-pop swagger. It’s the kind of album you’d stumble across at a thrift store, dust off, and then play endlessly while wondering why no one talks about it anymore.
The title track, “Whole Lotta Love,” hits hard right outta the gate. The opening synth riff is pure ear candy—it’s catchy as hell without trying too hard. You can tell Zikato wasn’t aiming for some deep artistic statement here; they just wanted to make people move. And honestly? Mission accomplished. There’s something raw yet polished about the way the beats bounce alongside those shimmering synths. Every time I hear it, I’m transported back to neon-lit roller rinks and bad perms. Like…how do you not tap your feet to this? It’s impossible.
Then there’s “Always (Try To Get Love).” This one sneaks up on you. At first listen, it feels like your average love-gone-wrong anthem, but give it a few spins, and you start noticing little details—the layered vocals, the bittersweet melody, the way the chorus swells just enough to break your heart a tiny bit. It’s got this weird mix of sadness and hopefulness that sticks with you long after the song ends. Like, yeah, relationships are messy, but hey, maybe tomorrow will be better? Or maybe not. Who knows?
What makes Whole Lotta Love stand out—for me, at least—is how unapologetically fun it is. Sure, the production screams early ‘90s, and some parts feel a tad dated now, but isn’t that part of its charm? It’s music made for dancing in cramped clubs or blasting in your car when you’re feeling all kinds of emotions you can’t quite put into words.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album feels like finding an old mixtape someone left behind. It’s nostalgic, sure, but also kinda mysterious. Who were these guys? Why don’t more people talk about them? Did they vanish into thin air after this record dropped? Maybe Zikato didn’t change the world, but man, they sure knew how to craft tunes that linger.
So, yeah. If you’re into retro sounds or just wanna rediscover something cool and forgotten, check out Whole Lotta Love. Just don’t blame me if you end up humming “Always (Try To Get Love)” for days. Oh, and next time you see a Day-Glo sticker somewhere, think of Zikato. Bet you won’t look at it the same way again.
