ZOCO arrives with a single that treats rock arrangement like cinema. ‘Restless’ is anchored by Marco Zocco’s baritone—measured, resolute—while guitars sketch horizon lines and the keyboards paint in gradients. The periphery matters: subtle synth beds and piano figures widen the frame without softening intent. That balance owes much to the team: Gunnar Nelson on production (and BVs), Kerry Brown as executive producer, Stephen DeAcutis on the clean, dimensional mix, and Howie Weinberg on a master that travels gracefully from headphones to car stereos.
The rhythm section is quietly elite. Carmine Rojas’ bass playing is all contour and conversation; the drumming—split between Slim Jim Phantom (brush feel) and London Hudson (modern rock thrust)—keeps the song in motion while leaving headroom for the choruses to bloom. Lyrically, Zocco (with brothers Paolo and Matteo) argues for spontaneity: exit the loop, even briefly, and choose the detour. The gang-vocal “whoa” chorus lands like a decision point rather than garnish.
Tracked across Los Angeles and Milan, with vocals cut in Nashville, ‘Restless’ wears its international passport lightly. It’s alt-rock at heart, but the electronic touches—pads, synth swells, and textural delays—signal a project comfortable in hybrid spaces. With LUMANISTA (Part 1) due in early January 2026, ‘Restless’ feels like chapter one of a world-building exercise where guitars lead and ambience deepens the narrative.
Follow ZOCO:
