My uncle flew me out to his home in Norfolk, VA in the summer of ’97. I brought with me a walkman and a CD carrying case that held 12 must-have discs. The only one I remember having was Banana Man. I listened to it on the car drive up to Washington D.C. as my uncle took me up there for my first tour of our nation’s capital. I looked in awe at Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and was enamored by all the artifacts in the Smithsonian. But I was thrilled the most by one site, a sure-fire tourist trap. As we were driving around the city, I stared blankly out the window when our nation’s biggest treasures came into my site – a Food Lion Grocery Store! I’m sure I exclaimed with giddy glee “This one’s called The Box Food Lion!” as the meaning behind one of Ghoti’s most treasured songs became crystal clear. You see, we do not have “Food Lions” in the midwest so I never really got the deep meaning behind “The Box” until that very moment, haha.

In the summer of ’02 I remember following their Penske van into the Western Illinois campus dorm room, the place to stay if you’re not a “true Cornerstoner” like I most certainly am not. To my surprise, they were staying in the hall right across from my room. They were entering their room just as I was entering mine and all I could muster was a feeble “Don’t quit, guys!” I’m sure my voice cracked weakly. I gave my 17 year old self a thorough beating for not coming up with something better to say like “Thanks for all the great years, guys!” after I hid myself way behind a closed door. But they were nice, as usual, and I’m sure they heard the same sentiment from countless other individuals on that tour. They should have heard it at every stop because they were a truly under-appreciated band. When they laid it down after many long years, music lost a truly great group of musicians who did what they loved first and foremost.

This band did nothing but continually make perfect music, plain and simple. From their silliest moments like “Shrinky Dinks” “My Bike” and their raucous cover of Michael W Smith’s “Friends” to their most serious moments like “Seasons” “Lullaby” “Mach 3″ and “Drop Dead”, every point in their career spoke to me in a way only music can.

In my humble opinion, their final swan song EP aptly titled “EP” was their best work. I only wish that they would have continued in that path toward a full album with that sound. With recent rumblings that they’ve been practicing together again, I can only hope that it’s for more than one show – the benefit concert for Jeannie Pierce, wife of the original Huntington’s drummer Mikee Huntington. If not, however, it’s a noble cause. I hope she gets well and that all those that can make it to the show enjoy it to the fullest. I would love to traverse half the United States to see this show, but I would be better off actually donating to a selflessly worthy reason for a band’s reunion.

In their 6 year absence, rarely have I strung multiple months together without listening to one of their albums. I remember the time I got to hear Joel Bell speak at Cornerstone. He is one of the most genuine dudes in the business and I have a high respect for his thoughts a beliefs. If there’s any chance of you guys writing some new songs, take this advice from an old fan – do it! If this is a one time thing, well then, I say it again – thanks guys for all the great years!

Joel Bell – vocals, guitar (1991-2002)
Jamie Tolosa – guitar, bass (1991-2002)
Adam Neubauer – drums (1991-2002)
——–
Conrad Tolosa – Guitar (1991-1997)
Mark Lacasse – Guitar, BGV (1998-2000)
Christian Ergueta – Bass, BGV (1991-2000)

Ghoti Hook Official Myspace

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In my humble opinion, they were genius as what they did. In the mid 90′s music was “underproduced” in comparison to todays oftentimes heavy handed production. Fold Zandura showcased an early look at what meshing electronic elements and rock could be. I remember thinking at the time that they were very synth-based, which is not true these days.

In actuality, they were, like many bands those days, a post-grunge band. They showcased a very heavy guitar tone that reminds me of early Starflyer 59 at times. Oddly enough, Frank Lenz went on to play in SF59 and he helped created one of that bands best records – Old. But what separated them from the slew of post-grunge acts was their ability to write a hook and add in those dashes of electronica.

In their short three album career they managed to move forward and never stale. Ultra Forever was their best album and the epitome of what they were doing. So I guess if they were done with the band, that’s the way to go out. I highly suggest anyone reading this who hasn’t listened to Fold Zandura check out that album. Unfortunately I was unable to get my hands on their final EP and now it’s nowhere to be found.

I’m also interested in knowing if there are any Mortal fans who happened to stumble upon this post. I never checked that band out. What record should I start with? Are they worth it to a Fold Zandura fan like myself?

It’s unfortunate that Fold Zandura never got the recognition they deserved but I guess that also makes it a hidden gem, and it’s always fun to be “in the know” about those kind of things.

I typically pride myself in being on top of all things regarding the whereabouts of members of bands such as this. Most people know that Jerome went on to play with Switchfoot, but I really missed the boat on Jyro Xhan and his whereabouts. He has a new band called LCNA. They released and EP in May of 2007, changed their name and are supposedly finishing up their new album. It sounds similar to Fold Zandura to me. Check it out here. Buy the Mercury Light EP on iTunes.

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