Song of the Day: Fuzz – Pollinate

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJ’s think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Morning Show with John Richards, is “Pollinate” by Fuzz from the 2015 album II on In The Red Records.

Fuzz – Pollinate (MP3)

Between guitarist Charles Moothart and bassist Roland Cosio, Fuzz have enough face-smashing garage riffs to justify keeping their drummer Ty Segall – who just so happens to be one of the premier guitarists of the last few years – behind the microphone and drum kit. Fuzz began in 2011 as a collaboration between Moothart and Cosio, although the project wouldn't get the full attention of the ever-busy Segall until 2013, when the pair brought Cosio on board and began releasing a series of 7"s, all of which sold out ahead of the release of their self-titled full length debut. After a brief break in 2014, the trio regrouped to tour in advance of their forthcoming sophomore album, II. The first thing that jumps out on "Pollinate", one of two advance tracks released from the album, is not how dirty the riffs are (that's a given here), or how tense its heady fire is (Segall's voice has that vibe on lock): it's how thunderous its low end is. Casio's bassline grinds through the track's core as Segall – who, like Jack White, is underrated for his drumming skills – thrashes away at his kit while sneering down the mic. But, standing ten feet in front of the creator of some of the decade's best riffs, Moorhart is at the forefront, slicing through the song's thick wall of sludge with lick after lick. As hazy as "Pollinate" is, it makes one thing pretty clear: if you put three talented garage musicians in one room, they're going to leave with a creation chock full of whiplash-inducing twists and turns if it takes all night. In Fuzz's case, however, the powerful, immediate "Pollinate" sounds completely effortless, which only underscores their distortion-drenched prowess.

Fuzz will tour behind II through the rest of the year. They don't have a Pacific Northwestern show scheduled at the moment, but keep an eye on their Facebook in case they announce some new dates or music. Below, watch the video for "Fuzz's Fourth Dream"