Return Of The Zombies

NEW YORK (Oldies & Goldies News Website) - It's time to step into the way-back machine asColin Blunstone and Rod Argent of the �60s pop group The Zombies unite for a long overdue mini-tour of the States. Eight shows are on the books, starting September 18 in Pennsylvania. The duo will stick to East Coast and Midwest clubs and theatres on the run.

With the exception of five sold-out shows at Village Underground in 2001, it's been nearly four decades since Argent and Blunstone entertained U.S. fans together. Their last tour on North American soil was in 1966 when they were still with The Zombies. Two years later, the group broke up with Argent going on to form his eponymous band and Blunstone embarking on a solo career.

The Zombies hit international success shortly after forming in the early �60s with such top-charters as "She's Not There" and "Tell Her No." With their pop sensibilities, Blunstone's breathy vocals and Argent's musical mastery, the band seemed destined for the big time - and for awhile, they achieved it.

However, some critics speculate The Zombies' sophisticated arrangements proved too adventurous for radio audiences and that consequently led to an alienation from the airwaves. In turn, the hits stopped coming despite the fact that their albums were hailed as pop genius by music critics.

In an ironic twist of fate, it was after they disbanded that the group saw their biggest hit, "Time Of The Season." The single came from the album Odessey And Oracle, which was released posthumously and is considered to be one of the major, defining pop albums of the time - pulling rank with records like the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds.

Argent and Blunstone have since teamed up and released Out Of The Shadows - their first album since 1968's Odessey And Oracle - last year. They've been touring the U.K. and Europe this year, promoting the new material.

Fans eager to hear old Zombie classics won't be disappointed as the twosome are expected to play tunes from their old catalog, as well as songs from Argent Band, Blunstone's solo efforts, and their Out Of The Shadows disc.