Trapped In The Mirror by ZZG: A Raw Rock Ride Worth Remembering
If you’re into Classic Rock with a Hard Rock edge, ZZG’s Trapped In The Mirror might just be your next guilty pleasure. Released back in 2009 as a self-released project (props to them for going indie!), this album feels like a gritty love letter to rock ‘n’ roll. It’s not perfect—heck, it doesn’t even try to be—but that’s kinda what makes it stick.
Let’s talk tracks. There are seven songs here, and while they all bring something to the table, two stood out for me: “Prozac Nation” and “Floydyan Slip.”
“Prozac Nation” hits hard right from the start. The guitar riffs? Chunky and raw, like biting into an undercooked cookie—it’s messy, but you can’t stop eating it. The lyrics feel like a middle finger to modern life, poking fun at how we medicate our way through stress. I mean, who hasn’t felt like popping a pill to deal with Monday mornings? ZZG doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that honesty is refreshing. Plus, there’s this killer solo halfway through that made me rewind three times. Yeah, it’s that good.
Then there’s “Floydyan Slip.” Honestly, I think ZZG had too much coffee when they wrote this one because it’s all over the place—but in the best way possible. The track blends heavy grooves with these trippy moments that remind me of Pink Floyd meets Black Sabbath after a late-night jam session. The vocals have this raspy, almost exhausted tone, which fits perfectly with the chaotic vibe. By the end, I was like, “Wait…what just happened?” But hey, isn’t that the sign of a memorable song?
The rest of the album keeps the energy up. Tracks like “Tom Go To Bed” and “C’Mon Now” keep things punchy, while “For The Sky” slows it down just enough to give your ears a breather. It’s clear ZZG poured their heart into this record, even if the production has that DIY rough-around-the-edges charm.
Here’s the thing about Trapped In The Mirror: it won’t blow your mind with polished perfection, but it’ll grab you by the collar and demand attention. And honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what rock music should do.
So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely—if you’re cool with imperfections and wanna hear some real passion behind the noise. Oh, and here’s a random thought: ZZG probably has the most epic band arguments ever. Can you imagine trying to agree on whose turn it is to tweak the bass levels on a track like “Nous”? Wild.
