Funnily enough, we started listening to ‘On Reality’ without reading any of the accompanying press info, and we were instantly impressed with how nostalgic and 90s-coded the track sounded. It turns out that the single was actually written and recorded back in 1992 by British alternative outfit Tabitha Zu! Fronted by Melanie Garside (also known as Maple Bee, and as a member of Vertigo Angels, Huski, and Moontwin), the talented outfit enjoyed a rather successful few years, thriving in the early 90s UK alternative scene thanks to their exuberant and bold blend of rock and punk elements.
‘On Reality’ carries hints of grunge and new wave, always maintaining a slick and dynamic aural livery. Garside’s imaginative vocals place themselves somewhere between Elizabeth Fraser and Gwen Stefani, sporting a tone that’s striking, loud, and incredibly malleable. It’s easy to imagine why Tabitha Zu were supporting bands the likes of Nirvana, Public Enemy, and Suede, among others. They sounded really good, and it’s a shame that their legacy has not been more prominent; equally, their career should have been longer.
Originally released on 26 October 1992, ‘On Reality’ was their second single at the time. The group would have gone on to perform over 159 shows across the UK in a single year, something that clearly showcases the amount of hype they were subjected to. It’s worth rediscovering Tabitha Zu.
Recommended! Discover ‘On Reality’ now: