Mick Medew & Ursula - In The Zone

In The Zone marks the return of Screaming Tribesmen leader Mick Medew with musical and life partner Ursula and a natural progression from 2022's Love Is Calling.Their second album finds the Med-duo filling out and toughening their sound, nodding to Mick's musical beginnings with The 31st on Brisbane's seamy underground scene of the early 1980s but also ranging into pop, bubblegum and surf.Mick says: I've never played so many fast guitar solos as on this album! I couldn't play any faster!The pair were joined in the studio by former Mick Medew and the Mesmerisers bassist Lois Andrews and drummer Stuart Mclaughlin, also with dark synth mistress Sarah Stockholm and alt rockers The Melancholics.They complete the live band, now billed as The Mick Medew and Ursula 4, while the recording was supplemented by producer and former Mesmeriser and Tribesman, Brian Mann, with added guitar, backing vocals, drums and bass.As well as being the brains trust of the operation, Brian is the steadying influence, providing harmony in the studio and some stylish backing vocals to the mix, Mick says.Getting Stuart involved brought life to the faster punk songs, especially. You can't get that feel with a drum machine.And bringing Lois back to the recording studio on backing vocals and bass has brought more layers to the songs.In The Zone is a sweeping work of varied songs, ranging from bustling surf-tinged opener Surfing On The Waves to the moody and arresting Man In The Moon and the alt.country synth waltz, She's Only Happy When She's Drinking.There's also a pop-punk tribute to self-styled Avant Garde artist Yoko Ono in God Bless Yoko Ono.Ursula's foray into writing lyrics stems from her deep love of humour and growing self-confidence. She says: Mick encourages me in everything I do.Punk Grandma' was written while I was in the house with the grandkids and Mick was on the deck working on the melody on his guitar. I ran out singing the chorus: 'I feel young, I have fun. I'm not done!'In The Zone defies genre pigeon-holing and has something for every playlist. The Mick Medew and Ursula 4 will be supporting its release with shows in Brisbane, NSW (December 2024 and February 2025) with more to be scheduled.