Fuzz
Fuzz build their debut around heavy riffs while leaving plenty of movement between the instruments. The guitars are thickly distorted, the bass holds the music together and Ty Segall brings his drumming firmly to the front. The singing is rougher than the familiar hard-rock foundation might suggest. That gives the psychedelic sound an impatient edge and helps keep it lively.
Earthen Gate begins with an unsettling sustained sound before the band hit much harder. The transition works well: the trio use the introduction to give the first substantial riff more weight. Sleigh Ride and Hazemaze then keep considerable force in their guitar parts. The songs need few additional touches to hold attention, relying on the strength of the playing.
What's in My Head? gives melody more room. Its singing and harmonies have a lighter colour than the guitars around them. That is a welcome difference on an album otherwise drawn towards the same dark sound. The more accessible shape preserves the weight while giving the record a clear point of recognition. A simple vocal hook provides useful contrast.
Loose Sutures gives the interplay its largest role. The bass stays heavy, the guitar opens into looser solos and the drums have a prominent moment of their own. Tempo changes and a longer excursion show that the band can do more than repeat one riff. The track still remains connected to the rough foundation running through the album.
Limited sonic variety is a drawback. Almost everything shares the same heavy colouring, reducing the differences between some tracks. The references to early hard rock are easily recognised too. Yet Fuzz sounds lively enough to be more than a style exercise. The active rhythm section and the combination of forceful guitars with simple melodies make this a convincing debut.
