Calling
New World (1993) a
Zombies effort is as erroneous as portraying
No Quarter: Jimmy Page & Robert Plant (2001) as a
Led Zeppelin album, as in both cases, principal components are glaringly absent. On this disc, co-founders
Rod Argent (vocals/keyboards) and
Paul Atkinson (guitar/vocals) are listed not as part of the band, but rather "special guests." Present and accounted for from the initial combo are
Chris White (bass/vocals),
Colin Blunstone (vocals), and
Hugh Grundy (drums). Although
White and
Blunstone attempt to pick up the slack in the wake of
Argent's minimal involvement, their choice of
Sebastian Santa Maria (keyboards/guitar/vocals) is a less than suitable substitute for the missing co-founder. Not surprisingly, while both
White and
Blunstone are excellent songwriters, much of the material lacks the quirky and jazzy influence that
Argent infused into the
Zombies' 'sound'. That said, the cuts on
New World (1991) are not inferior -- either in composition or execution. They simply are not the
Zombies. The opener and title track, "New World (My America)" is one of
White's better cuts, with a strong backbeat and the typical tension and release that became trademarks of his vintage sound. "You Make Me Feel Good," "I Love You," and "Beechwood Park" --
White's marquee noir-edged pop style conjured up on "Lula Lula" similarly hearkens back to "Let Me Be," with understated and intimate vocals. An alternate version of the former is available as a bonus side, under what is presumably the working name "Hold My Hand." The
Blunstone contributions are equally enjoyable, with the ballad "Losing You," and the mid-tempo rocker, "Love Conquers All" his strongest showings. Casual enthusiasts should note the remake of "Time of the Season," which is the only number to feature
Argent. The update can barely be measured against the original, and pales in comparison. In 2003,
New World debuted on CD with a pair of supplementary sides, the previously mentioned "Hold My Hand," as well as "When My Boat Comes In," another
White-penned song.