If you had never heard of Fuzz before, it would be pretty easy to assume what they sound like, strictly based on their name. The very essence of Fuzz is to slather on as much fuzz that is humanly possible, and II does that perfectly. On their self-titled first album, Fuzz stuck to a formula in their song writing, which was essentially basic chord progressions, crazy-ass solos, thick, Neanderthalian drums and lyrics about Lucifer. This got them categorized as somewhat of a Black Sabbath 2.0, but nonetheless a good band.
II, however, branches out musically. There are more tempo changes and cleaner guitars, which lighten the album and give it less of a “doomy” feel (although there is plenty of doom and gloom on this album). “Rat Race” is the perfect example of a lighter Fuzz song. Guitarist Charlie Moothart and bassist Chad Ubovich, of Meatbodies, are both ridiculously talented musicians and are able to blend different solos and harmonies together without sounding overwhelming or too contradictory. A handful of songs start off sweeter and more melodic, which is a perfect contrast to the sludgy riffs in the majority of the songs, but still sound totally cohesive, like “Burning Wreath.”
Although Ty Segall is the drummer of Fuzz and obviously has influence over the music, don’t think of this as another Ty Segall album. It’s much more metal/psych/sludge/doomy than his other work, and he only sings on about half the tracks. Both Charlie and Chad are just as important to the band because Fuzz depends so much on the heavy riffs and intertwining melodies of the guitar and bass. Overall this is a really, really good album that doesn’t sound like anything else being played right now.
Recommended If You Like: Ty Segall, Black Sabbath, Meatbodies, Thee Oh Sees, Wand, King Crimson
Recommended Tracks: 11 (New Flesh), 2 (Rat Race), 3 (Let It Live), 8 (Burning Wreath)
Do Not Play: 1 (Time Collapse II/The 7th Terror), 6 (Pipe)
Written by Caroline Roe on 10/28/15