The Buzzards Of Fuzz is a band originally from Atlanta Georgia, which was born in 2014 from the ashes of Uncle Van And The Buzzards Of Fuzz. The proposed sound is a mix of modern Psychedelic sounds identifiable as Desert Rock, imbued with different influences including Fuzz Rock, Prog and Stoner Rock. After releasing 2 EPs, the self-titled full-length debut was released on September 30, 2021 via The Fuzz Firm, containing 9 tracks for over 32 minutes of music. The opener “Designer Recliner” immediately immerses us in the sound of the band made of massive guitar riffs, a deep bass and a solid rhythm session. The vocal alternates choral parts with other soloists, fitting well into the musical context, creating dark atmospheres and modern and engaging Fuzz sounds with the guitar as the protagonist of the melodies. More pulled “Desert Drivin ‘(No Radio)” is also the first single from the album, also proposed as a stand-alone at the beginning of the year. The rhythm session is more accelerated, the scratchy guitar riffs guide the sound and the Doors-style vocal takes us back to the past. The tempo changes and the alternation of sung parts with the instrumental sections are interesting, giving space to short solo guitar inserts. The third track “As They Fly Away” is heavier and closer to Stoner Rock, mixed with the slower rhythms of Desert Rock. The guitar goes from hard riffs to more Psychedelic arpeggios giving a hypnotic touch to the song, a lysergic journey where the band shows technique and a vintage touch that mixes with the modern sounds of the genre. The tempo changes are well made, the effected vowel adapts to the passages and developments of the theme, also offering solo insights and interesting ideas. “Tarantulove” returns to tighter rhythms with engaging and scratchy riffs and guitar inserts that wink at the sound of the 70s. The bass lines are load bearing and the drum solid and linear, giving way to the vocal to modulate between clean singing and effects making it captivating. Even the guitar solo follows the sounds of the past, in line with the sound of the track, a dip in the past that we gladly do. We are halfway through the record and “All In Your Head” dampens the tones with a softer and more melancholy atmosphere, putting aside the distortions and switching to acoustic guitar. In the central instrumental part there are more Space sounds of electric guitar, which in the second part gives a more acid touch to the sound. “Burned My Tongue on the Sun” is the shortest on the album, featuring an atmospheric intro that quickly transforms into a dark atmosphere with occult hues. A deep bass and guitar melodies intertwine and the vocal resonates like a warning. A punchy guitar riff opens “Mostly Harmless” a solid piece of Rock Psychedelic with a modern sound that shows the hallmarks of the band. With light veins Alternative Rock is a song that mixes more melancholic sounds with more airy passages in the chorus, even if the lyrics are certainly not cheerful. The guitar cues in the instrumental section are interesting, while the rhythmic session is solid and linear without too many frills. “In the Movies” begins with a toll of the bell and then goes straight to life with a lively Stoner-influenced sound with tempo changes and elaborate melodies. The vocal is dark and the rhythmic session enriched by more percussive parts that increase its gloom and then free itself in the instrumental parts. The guitar solo is fine and the track is certainly one of the best on the album. Sound effects and very distorted Fuzz guitars characterize the final “Lonely In Space (Slight Return)” which, as the title suggests, catapults us into space. In continuous evolution and full of tempo changes and elaborate passages with more space for the instrumental section, this song closes the disc well by inserting all the influences of their sound inside. The Buzzards proposed their first full-length showing clear ideas and a mature and massive sound, alternating harder tracks with more Psychedelic ones. They manage to blend the vintage fonts of the genre with their personal and modern touch and projected the genre into the future. A listening recommended for all lovers of Fuzz sounds, a winning blend of Desert Rock, Psychdelia and Stoner with forays into Prog and Alternative Rock. Clear ideas and incisive riffs for a pleasant listening from start to finish, good.
Tracklist
1. Designer Recliner (02:14)
2. Desert Drivin’ (No Radio) (02:24)
3. As They Fly Away (04:18)
4. Tarantulove (03:17)
5. All In Your Head (03:28)
6. Burned My Tongue on the Sun (02:11)
7. Mostly Harmless (04:19)
8. In the Movies (03:06)
9. Lonely In Space (Slight Return) (05:43)
Lineup
Van Bassman / Vocals, Guitar
Benjamin J. Davidow / Vocals, Guitar
Charles Wiles / Bass, Drums