Year : 2021
Style : Hard Rock
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + front
Size : 118 mb
Bio:
The Minneapolis band has a knack for documenting searing personal experiences, strapping them to turbo-charged guitar riffs, and creating kick-ass rock ‘n’ roll in the process.They make no attempt to hide the scars acquired on the journey. But rather than dwell on darkness and fury, FuZZrd focuses their energy on hard-won lessons and glimmers of hope. The result? Tales of obsession, devotion, and redemption – all sung from the crater of a live volcano.And there’s room for some humor too. Asked about the band name (pronounced “FUZZ-erd”), lead vocalist/guitarist Brett Petrusek laughs and turns evasive: “It has six letters, just like the six knobs on an old Marshall amp. It’s actually kinda goofy, but we all need some goofy right now.”All kidding aside, Petrusek and his three bandmates – bassist/vocalist Robert Berg, guitarist/vocalist Eric Fairchild and drummer Scott Savage – get down to serious business as soon as the amps are warmed up and ready to roar.Introspection Fuels Detonation: First single “Monster Carnival” sets the tone, opening innocently enough with Petrusek’s solitary EQ-squeezed guitar riff. And then all hell breaks loose. “It’s about struggling with debauchery,” Petrusek says. “You can be a pretty happy-go-lucky dude but sometimes you find yourself in a very dark place, like you’re turning into a werewolf. This song is about finding somebody who recognizes your dark side and embraces you for it.”The pulverizing vibe continues on standout tracks like “Razor” and the anthemic “Life Turned Black.” “Viral Connection” features Mark Slaughter providing guest vocals, a healthy dose of guitar ear candy throughout and an outro solo on a song that Petrusek dryly describes as “a dark, twisted little snapshot about retrospectively looking back at your first love.”The soul-baring approach reaches a peak on “Demons,” Petrusek’s gut-wrenching account of learning about the father he had never known. “I recently found my brother, who I never knew I had. We talked and in 35 minutes I learned more about my dad than I had ever known before.” You can hear the sheer emotion in Petrusek’s vocal, recorded on the first — and only — take.“I’ve become a lot more comfortable letting out my personal thoughts and not second-guessing myself. Being my own therapist and putting it into words. Tapping into the stories that already exist – that’s what makes it more real, more genuine.” Berg sums it up a bit differently: “You get these catchy, sing-a-long choruses, but the lyrics are pretty stark and disturbing,” he laughs. “If Black Sabbath and Motörhead took Bon Jovi and Def Leppard, rolled them into a joint and smoked it today, you’d be in a cloud of FuZZrd.” Contrasts Build Stronger Connections: FuZZrd’s evolution is a straightforward tale. Petrusek and Berg had played together for years in the well-regarded Minneapolis hard rock outfit Downtread, recording three albums and playing a bunch of high profile shows throughout the Midwest. Looking to explore a more organic, stripped-down sound they connected with kindred spirits Fairchild (2021) and Savage (from Minneapolis stalwarts Crashmatic) in late 2019.The rhythm section quickly dialed-in a lean, less-is-more symbiosis between Berg and Savage.The chemistry was instantaneous, starting with the interaction of the two guitarists.“In this band there’s a yin/yang chemistry,” explains Berg. “In some other bands there isn’t much yin to the yang. But with this group we have a lot more open space to take liberties.”FuZZrd benefits from contrasting styles that seem to mesh pretty damn well. “I’m not a metal drummer,” Savage admits. “I’m actually a groove drummer, and I’ve always been interested in serving the song, rather than showing my chops. I’m a huge fan of Prince, R&B and Cheap Trick. It was a big change for Brett because he was used to borderline out-of-control metal.” Prepare to Launch: The four members were ready to unleash the beast in 2020, but then COVID-19 intervened. Amid the crucible of 2020, the band was determined not to let a pandemic go to waste. FuZZrd decided to record their new tracks with producer/engineer Jeremy Tappero, who has made countless records in Minneapolis and is best known for his recent work with Soul Asylum (and a longtime ally and collaborator of Petrusek and Berg from their days in Downtread).They’re stoked about the work-in-progress. “We’re all having so much fun with it,” says Savage. “I hate to say we’re taking advantage of the pandemic, but the down time has really been important for the band’s chemistry. This is a different way of doing a band. We haven’t even played a show yet! But we’re really loving what we’ve got.”2021 marks an inflection point for FuZZrd and all the rest of us. A chance to rip off old bandages, turn the page, and confront what’s really important in life. You might as well find a soundtrack that perfectly captures the moment…and crank it up damn loud.
Album:
FuZZrd release the band’s debut studio album titled NEAR LIFE EXPERIENCE. The band will celebrate the occasion with a performance, December 11, at the The Southern Theatre in Minneapolis, MN.The band has presented a new music video for “Pins And Needles.” FuZZrd guitarist and vocalist Brett Petrusek shares, “The song is a personal favorite. Lyrically, it’s about loss and the overwhelming feeling of anxiety that can often ensue. If you’ve ever felt so wound up that your skin is crawling you may relate. For me, it’s sonically intriguing, it’s mysterious and the chorus hits just right. It’s wickedly fun to play on guitar, too!” Petrusek reflects, “I’m so very proud of what we have accomplished this past year. It’s gratifying to see and hearthe album in its completed form. It’s a powerhouse and definitely fits in the category of ‘album I’ve always wanted to make’. The chemistry with our producer Jeremy Tappero continued to flourish and we all grew as musicians. I love the songs and sound we’ve created. It’s fresh, and new, and noticeably doesn’t chase trends. It stays true to its heavy rock roots. It’s so awesome to be a part of FuZZrd coming to life, playing live shows, and sharing our music. The whole of what we have created is truly rewarding. I’m totally grateful to have this group.” Bassist and background vocalist Robert Berg states, “Substance of structure. A collection of songs that in my view captures what’s truly important for fans of multigenerational hard rock. I love the upfront guitars and inspired solos. There’s a maturity in vocal melodies that catapults the meaningful lyrical content. It was inspiring to witness. Every member brought what was necessary; when necessary. I believe we just barely dipped our toes into what’s possible with our current guitar duo’s musical chemistry. Special, special, special thanks to Producer Jeremy Tappero. I tell him all the time that my favorite moments in life are sitting in the chair next to him and laying it down. He’s a true mentor who seemingly always knows what’s right for the band. Brett is quite forward thinking and never short of ideas. FuZZrd will build on the experience and continue to make the rock pound.” Guitarist and background vocalist Eric Fairchild offers, “Discovering the chemistry and camaraderie of FuZZrd has been the highlight of a truly chaotic year and a half. Being able to connect and collaborate on new music has been so fulfilling. I’m really proud of the work we’ve put in, and the album that has emerged as a result. The songs on Near Life Experience have been able to capture so many feelings that have been otherwise difficult to express. Plus, it’s always fun to tear it up on the guitar! I’m thrilled to get these songs in front of audiences, and continue to build on what we’ve started.” Drummer Scott Savage adds, “I could not be happier with the new record; and it could not have happened without everyone’s dedication and hard work. It’s so gratifying to have this finished product and be able to share with everyone! I’m so proud of my band mates and what we have accomplished. We are definitely fired up about what the future holds for us!” Over the course of the past year, the band has steadily presented repertoire from this body of work. The most recent track revealed was “Out On a Limb,”.Prior, FuZZrd presented “Life Turned Black”.This followed the reveal of “Viral Connection” featuring a special guest appearance by Mark Slaughter on the recording and in the music.At the time, Petrusek shared, “Working with Mark on ‘Viral Connection’ was a total blast. He has such an iconic vocal sound. It’s both angelic and gritty at the same time. It’s uplifting yet heavy, which is kinda what FuZZrd is all about: darkness and light, and the haunted place in between.” Slaughter offered, “I think the band is great, and it was a lot of fun working with them. They have a classic rock sensibility with a modern edge. It’s lean and it’s honest. They’re not chasing somebody else’s sound. They’re comfortable being right where they are. That’s where the best music comes from. It’s got to be in you. It’s got to reflect who you truly are.”
Line-Up:
Brett Petrusek (Lead Vocals / Guitars)
Robert Berg (Bass / Background Vocals)
Eric Fairchild (Background Vocals / Guitars)
Scott Savage (Drums)
Tracklist:
01. Monster Carnival (03:29)
02. Give up the Ghost (03:53)
03. Pins and Needles (04:00)
04. Life Turned Black (04:06)
05. Demons (03:41)
06. Witchcraft Singalong (03:53)
07. Razor (04:16)
08. Inside the Waves (03:57)
09. Viral Connection (03:35)
10. Out on a Limb (03:21)
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