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Allmusic.com
Review
When a band takes a considerable amount of time between albums, they need time off from the scene and/or each other. The Fuzz didn't factor in either possibility, for they've been gigging hard and tweaking their quirky space rock sound since their 1999 debut, Remember to Forget. Noise Destroyers marks the band's return to form, but the Fuzz disciplined themselves this time around when it came to song structure and composition. Keyboardist and programmer Nathan Brown worked his tekkie magic for layered electronic grooves, while frontman Daniel Veale's guitar work scaled back for something a little more slick. Songs such as "Coldfeet" and "In the Sticks" deliver a jaunty, energetic sound and bass man Brandon Raudebaugh gives these particular cuts some added elasticity. Vocally, Veale has never sounded better; "Raisins and Rubberbands" is drenched in soulful, distorted melodies and Veale is nearly a classic Wayne Coyne. Electronic bits highlight "Thicks As Thieves," while "E-Life" sweeps along to breathy instrumentation. A four-year break was exactly what the band needed in order for the Fuzz to find their place. Noise Destroyers is a matchless result for a band who worked painstakingly hard for a tightly produced, artistically shining album. — MacKenzie Wilson
AMG Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars |
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The
State News Review
Who said the space program is dead? The musically-inspired portion, at least, is very much alive.
Local space cadets The Fuzz hunker down for the release of their second full-length album, "Noise Destroyers."
Opening with a spacey yet creepily-appealing introduction, the voiceless track "The Largest Number" would fit perfectly into any "Lost in Space" episode. With the clashes of percussion and the synthesized sounds of a computer, the track introduces the listener to the sound of space rock with a blend of '60s psychedelic and pure indie influence.
"The Invisible Man," another track with mass space-effect, is a key break between "In the Sticks" and "Raisins &
Rubberbands."
Considered for release as a radio single, "Coldfeet" is a more upbeat song reminiscent of Beatles albums. It's a great track and really captures the feeling of the whole album in one solid song. As a single, it definitely won't misconstrue the sound of "Noise Destroyers."
"Loopy," which speaks its name, is also unconventional. As a hazy, echoing song with slow lyrics, "Loopy" is a nice reminder of how bands such as Pink Floyd started their careers.
Daniel Veale's voice, which meshes with the music, often supplies just enough to complete each song. The only times they might be overdone is on "Germany." A little on the ear-stabbing side, the vocals become a high-pitched cry and drag on far too long.
"In The Sticks," which starts off with big band drums, dips into a quick-tempo jam while still keeping alive the theme of distant, outer space vocals.
Although the tracks are solid and greatly welcome for the sound they deliver, sometimes the flow can be disrupted by added effects and lack of track arrangement.
With a revisit to the band's 2001 "Raisins & Rubberbands EP," the songs "E-Life" and "Raisins & Rubberbands" reappear on the band's latest release. With this later, more polished version, The Fuzz shows it's serious with its tough collection of polished tracks.
If you liked this, you'll also like: Pink Floyd's "A Saucerful of Secrets" and "Meddle" or The Jesus and Mary Chain's
"Psychocandy"
Suggested listening: While taking a trip � to the moon, Jupiter or Uranus, of course.
— Elysia A.
Smith
The State News Rating: 4 out of 5 Records |
