Noise Destroyers

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.