Zilla’s self-titled debut release features material from two live performances: 12/30/04 at B.B. King's Blues Club in New York City and 1/20/05 at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO. The liner notes on Zilla's new album put it best: "100% live. 100% improvised." Best described as "dance music from another realm," This release from String Cheese Incident drummer Michael Travis and friends quickly spawned a cult following and rave reviews about the latest addition to the "jamtronica" culture. Those friends include(d) “world-champion hammered dulcimer pioneer”, Jamie Janover; The resonant bass stylings of Vibe Squad’s Aaron Holstein; & the only non-trio Zilla release showcasing the band’s original quartet lineup with former member Steve Vadaic on keys. We even get a surprise visit from the newest SCI family member as Jason Hann adds percussion to the tribal trance of the track "Gription."

The “Zilla” album paints an early picture of the foundation of the band’s early vision & sacred roots. However, don’t be fooled; The debut live release is absolutely loaded with all the percussion-driven masterpieces, dirty bass bombs, white light ecstasy and other infectious elements of Zilla’s spontaneously-crafted, live compositions that we have come to expect & love.

“It is exactly this unscripted nature of the tunes that gives "Zilla" its appeal. Bands could practice for their entire career and not make music this imaginative, inspired, groovy, and "far out." One should expect nothing less from a Travis brainchild.”
- John Smartic, Jambase.com