Cubicle Zombie is the debut EP from Boston area singer-songwriter Weather McNabb, a musician clearly influenced by the likes of Garbage and Alanis Morisette who has nevertheless forged a path that is completely unique. Although it’s her first release, it’s a work that has been in the progress for several years, and after a number of delays and obstructions, her vision has finally come to fruition. Partnering with Boston producer Peter Moore, McNabb delivers five ferociously biting narratives in a style which combines elements as disparate as blues and electronica to create something identifiable to her own individual sound.
Cleverly, although the lyrics are filled with dystopian images which seem to describe a coming apocalypse, the songs are actually about the doldrums of modern reality, from working in an office (“Good Morning”) to the continuing presence of outdated sexist attitudes (“Time Machine”). The most effective song, “Warpaint,” features pounding, thunderous drums and powerful vocals with sniper-like lyrics about the peer pressure to wear makeup. Cubicle Zombie is a tremendously tight, fully-formed collection of songs that prove the years of work spent finishing it were worth it, and hopefully it won’t be long before McNabb’s next collection of songs.
