FUZZ MACHINE - Boris Sujdovic (Bang! Records)
Don't fuss about the drum machine. Some of the Scientists' best work was done on a drum machine. The contents herein on this EP are as described in the title: Glorious, fuzzed out guitar, no less, and the ex-Scientist's disturbed, disconnected vocals are buried deep within. It's only six songs but each of them pulses and burns with a rare intensity.
Maybe six is the right number, given that the instrumentation is limited. Monotony is avoided and the simple song structure and shearing, distorted sound holds up a treat over 20 minutes. Fittingly, it comes out on the most active Australian label not based in Australia. The Boys from Bang! chalk up another win half a world away in Basque Country.
The opener, "Primitive Man", is basically basic. Rivulets of sound seeping over a stark aural landscape. It's good enough to merit hitting the repeat button. Don't you dare, 'cos there's even better to come.
"Coming Down" sounds like it is doing just that with almost-whispered, strung-out vocals. If this is the morning after, I want to go back to the night before....
On "If You Want Love" Sudjovic uncoils a simple riff over a basic beat with some slight guitar variation. Sudjovic patented his own single note bass and straddles similar turf with six strings. "Never Left You" is a tad more upbeat and sounds uncanningly like "Human Jukebox" Scientists.
The closing "Give Up" and "Good Thing Going" are a pigeon pair of menacing junkies in dark clothing, well primed on something non-prescription and ready to do harm to themselves - and you too. The former's a chilling skag song. Sustained fuzz notes and a snaking lead guitar on the latter draws a heavy black curtain over the show to close it down. It's doubtful you'll get your admission price back if you ask, so just move on. Nothing here to see.
Superb, black-hearted stuff. –
The Barman
