Canada's Moka Only and Evil Ebenezer are back as ZZBRA, an experimental hip-hop unit melding their individual styles into a catchy concept album called ZZBRA: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack released on Camobear Records on January 31.

Produced by the Draft Dodgers — U-Tern and Stuey Kubrick — the album is reportedly all that's left of a failed production to produce a film; the press for the record states that Moka and Evil were set to make their big-screen debuts in a film set treacherously deep in the jungle until skyrocketing costs forced the production to shut down.

The backstory may be a bit thin, but the execution of the album and its concept are very well done — Moka and Evil gel enviably well on the album, which suits their individual styles perfectly. The record treats the concept respectfully and playfully, weaving musical interludes and a spoken narrative into unexpectedly catchy songs.

Their lead single "Green" was made into a music video directed by Kubrick and is fairly representative of the record, its bounce and impeccable phrasing characteristic of the theme. It's almost a shame there isn't a movie in the can somewhere, because the songs lend visuals to the music that are at times curious, at times amusing.

Not since Kanye worked with Jon Brion has there been a hip-hop record so varied yet accessible — take "Number," which begins ominously and evolves into a soulful, moving piano—driven tune, or "Elephant" which struts as grandly as though it were introducing a new act in the story.

ZZBRA makes for a comprehensive album, and will appeal to listeners outside of hip-hop audiences. Songs like "Raisins" and "Running Back" would sound at home on radio, and as Kubrick has committed to directing all future videos for the group, it's safe to say the album's vision will remain intact.

ZZBRA: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is available January 31, so check with your favourite music store or order directly from Camobear Records at camobeardigital.com.