Le Big Zero – ‘How to Use a Semicolon’ [EP] [Album Review]

Brooklyn garage rock/art rock outfit Le Big Zero releases their latest EP, How to Use a Semicolon;, whose title refers to joining two related independent clauses with a semicolon rather than a comma and coordinating conjunction, like and, or but. A semicolon is kind of a ‘supercomma.’

Le Big Zero takes that grammatical definition and applies it to music – connecting familiar song structures with odd time signatures, unusual melodies, and innovative sonic textures – in the best way possible, with style and flair.

How to Use a Semicolon merges the vocal and songwriting talents of Michael Pasuit and Carolina Aguilar, who returns after a hiatus to focus on family. The musical chemistry between the two works.

“How Very” begins the EP, rolling out on raw, thumping percussion that flows into an almost dissonant melody that stops, shifts, and takes on flavors of dark garage rock. Aguilar’s vocals, evocative but angular, give the lyrics cutting tones that tell a risky tale.

The intro to “Cheap Men in French Cars” sets the harmonic stage – visceral garage rock tinted with punk tangs. Undertones of suppressed tension emanate from the off-center guitars, while Aguilar’s mobile voice makes the song work, offsetting the edgy, borderline-dissonant guitars.

Le Big Zero, photo courtesy of artist

“Funnel Cake at a Funeral” finishes the EP off with a slightly bluesy melody that conjures up Talking Heads crossed with The B-52’s. Not quite alt-rock, not quite art rock, the song shifts surfaces as well as tempos, giving it a charming, disjointed feel.

Assembled with care and delicious quirkiness, How to Use a Semicolon offers listeners music at once avantgarde, and splendid.

How to Use a Semicolon Track Listing:

1. How Very
2. Cheap Men in French Cars
3. Funnel Cake at a Funeral

Run Time: 10:19
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Record Label: Mint 400 Records