Review: Fvzz Popvli ‘Melting Pop’
Fvzz Popvli, the powerhouse trio hailing from Rome, whose name ‘popvli’ derives from the Latin word for ‘people’ have carved out a unique niche in the stoner rock scene with their gritty, fuzzed-out grungy garage sound. After releasing their first two albums under Heavy Psych Sounds and their third with RetroVox Records, the band has come full circle, reuniting with their original label for their latest and fourth offering Melting Pop.
Despite the deceptively titled album name, the album is far from the mainstream pop sound one might expect. In a bold and enigmatic statement, the band defiantly declared that their latest musical offering transcends the confines of any single genre. This album, they proclaim that ‘It’s not stoner, it’s not garage, it’s not punk, it’s not psych’, it even pushes the very boundaries of what constitutes, in their own words, ‘a traditional album’ format. Instead, this audacious creation is described as a mesmerising fusion, an alchemical blend of melting pop elements seamlessly interwoven with a robust and invigorating heavy sound.
From their very beginning and up to now, the band’s sonic assault draws heavy inspiration from the late ’80s underground grunge music scenes of Seattle channelling the ‘wall of sound’ approach pioneered by iconic acts like Nirvana, Soundgarden and bands on the legendary Sub Pop and SST labels, while not forgetting the noisy garage raw power from the likes of The Stooges.
However, Fvzz Popvli takes this influence a step further, stripping it down to its most primal essence and infusing it with an even heavier, more primitive fuzz tone that sets them apart from their predecessors. Their captivating new album is a whirlwind journey through a union of rock subgenres, showcasing the band’s incredible versatility and raw musical talent.
an album of captivating fvzz-soaked riffs that hit like a sonic sledgehammer…
The heavy, sludgy doom metal vibes on tracks like Temple Of Doom pay homage to pioneers like Black Sabbath, with down-tuned riffs and plodding tempos creating an atmosphere of darkness and foreboding. Yet, this is merely one facet of their multidimensional sound. The majority of the album sees the band veering into high-octane psychedelic garage rock territory, unleashing a barrage of fuzz-drenched, adrenaline-pumping anthems.
Each of the blistering eight tracks clocks in at around the four-minute mark, wasting no time in delivering a concise and potent shot of unbridled rock fury. But amidst the ruckus, they also demonstrate a knack for crafting insanely catchy pop hooks with toe-tapping numbers like Salty Biscuits fusing jangly garage rock with irresistible pop melodies. The band even shows a softer, more vulnerable side on Erotik Fuel P.I.M.P., as shimmering guitars and gentle crooning build to an emotionally charged crescendo.
As the album nears its conclusion, Kommando delivers a dose of swampy, hypnotic blues-rock before giving way to the lush and atmospheric album closer The Knight. From start to finish, this is a tour-de-force of passionate, sweat-soaked rock and roll, infused with an experimental spirit and an infectious energy that demands to be cranked up to maximum volume.
This is an album of captivating fvzz-soaked riffs that hit like a sonic sledgehammer, while the pounding rhythms and snarling vocals create a wall of sound that’s both menacing and mesmerising. Melting Pop sees this Roman power trio unleash in every song a potent brew of heavy, psychedelic rock made with blood, sweat and tears. Strap yourself in and get ready for a wild ride – this is rock at its rawest and most electrifying that’s sure to set pulses racing and speakers ablaze.
Label: Heavy Psych Sounds
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
