The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track Rush You by Baby Animals from their self-titled debut album, a song that captures the raw energy and emotional pull that defined the band’s early sound. In a 1992 interview with RAW Magazine, lead singer Suze DeMarchi described Rush You as a song about the overwhelming urgency of love, written during a whirlwind period of touring and personal highs. She noted, “It’s about that moment when you’re so caught up in someone, you just want to dive in, no hesitation—it’s reckless but real.” The song’s driving rhythm and DeMarchi’s soulful vocals made it a standout, reaching the Australian ARIA Top 30 and becoming a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks for its gritty, heartfelt vibe.
Behind the scenes, Rush You has a quirky recording story. In a 2013 Facebook post celebrating the album’s anniversary, guitarist Dave Leslie shared that the band recorded the track in a single take at Bearsville Studios in New York, fueled by “too much coffee and a dodgy pizza.” The spontaneous energy translated into the song’s raw edge, with producer Mike Chapman insisting they keep the first take for its authenticity. Fans on the Baby Animals Fan Club group often cite Rush You as a live highlight, recalling a 1991 Sydney show where DeMarchi jumped into the crowd mid-song, mic in hand, to the delight of screaming fans.
On Instagram, the band recently posted a throwback photo from the Rush You video shoot, showing DeMarchi in a leather jacket under neon lights, with the caption, “This song was our battle cry in ’91—still love the chaos of it.” The track’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of hard rock swagger and emotional vulnerability, a hallmark of the band’s early work. A fan on X recently tweeted, “Rush You still hits like a freight train—Baby Animals were the soundtrack of my youth!” The song’s legacy continues to resonate, with Zoo Freaks keeping it alive on airwaves at THE ZOO.
Baby Animals formed in Perth, Australia, in 1989, when Suze DeMarchi, a fiery vocalist with a background in pub rock, teamed up with guitarist Dave Leslie, bassist Eddie Parise, and drummer Frank Celenza. DeMarchi, who’d been gigging since her teens, had a voice that blended Janis Joplin’s grit with Chrissie Hynde’s attitude. According to their bio on their official website, the band’s big break came after a demo tape caught the ear of Imago Records, leading to their signing and the recording of their debut album in 1991. Their chemistry was immediate, honed in sweaty club gigs across Australia, where they built a loyal following before breaking internationally.
The band’s rise wasn’t without struggle. DeMarchi, originally from Perth, moved to London in her early 20s to chase a solo career but faced rejection, as detailed in a 2008 Rolling Stone Australia interview. Returning home, she found her tribe in Leslie’s songwriting and the rhythm section’s tight groove. Their self-titled album, featuring Rush You, went multi-platinum in Australia, driven by relentless touring and a slot opening for Van Halen in 1992. Fans can connect with the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share tour updates and nostalgic posts. The Baby Animals Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant hub for Zoo Freaks to swap stories, rare photos, and concert memories, keeping the band’s spirit alive.
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