The Uncarved Block

"Tropical Fuzz" Album Review

 

Released: 11/06/21 - Review Date: 11/07/21

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"Tropical Fuzz" is Yur Mum's second studio album and their first as a two-piece, released by Chapter 22. Featuring Fabio Couto (Drums) and Anelise Kunz (Vocals and Bass) Yur Mum are making waves across the country, with energetic live performances and powerful songs.

 

They explain the record "is not a lock-down album. We’ve had the concept for a while. This is a new chapter for us as we had to reboot how we make music and give everything we had to write songs as a duo. The limitation actually forced us to explore new musical horizons and revisit our roots. The tracks have several different influences but generally it’s a colourful and energetic album, and it’s the best thing we’ve ever done.”

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This definitely sums up the band's journey so far, and they have adapted well, creating a meaty album with moments of powerful emotion, heavy riffs and tuneful songs that will stay in your head.

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"Banana Republic" gets us off to a raucous start, with flirtatious drumming and fiercely fuzz-heavy bass riffs. This is going to be one of those mosh-pit crowd pleasers for years to come - there's not just your average bass root notes involved here, but proper riffs and crescendos to get you grooving.

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"Black Rainbow" offers up darker and more emotional depths, where Anelise's vocals really stand out. The song draws on, getting more intense, building up the tension, twisting your insides, probing you to question your thoughts without losing control of your senses.

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"Crazy" begins with a low growl that develops into a catchy riff, and that sense of being completely lost in the wilderness - you feel the desperation growing as you start to get a little crazy. A Ramones-esque 1-2-3-4 suddenly breaks the damn and the madness is unleashed to end the track in a flourish.

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"Dig Deep" continues this fast-paced tempo with a storming no-nonsense punk track, sing-a-long vocals and incessant, breathless drumming, that segues into "Happy Mantra" which is equally energetic and punky (much in the style of Smash-era Offspring). There's even a blues breakdown over halfway through, to keep you on your feet and add a little spice before another frantic ending.

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"Je Ne Sais Pas" mixes up the tempo by beginning slow and low, questioning and skeptical, before exploding into a driving chorus section, alternating between the two, with an apparently awkward vulnerability, yet the band has the confidence to make this work perfectly.

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We are given some dark tones that Geezer (Black Sabbath) himself would be proud of as "Kiss And Tell" powers through our speakers, exposing more fuzz bass riffs and powerful vocals in this 3 minute stomper.

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"Rio '69" has a lighter, airier feel to it, with latino influences and a groovy rhythm, before we are treated to the thunderclap that is "Sweatshop" (their single from 2019, that first appeared on their "Ellipsis" EP in that year).

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The title track "Tropical Fuzz" ends the album with a bang! Thumping bass and more intricate, playful drumming give this track an anthemic feel that will have you jumping up and down with your fellow revelers.

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In conclusion, this is an accomplished, powerful and energetic album that will have you questioning how two people could really create such a sound. Yur Mum presents "Tropical Fuzz" and proves what can be achieved with passion and drive.

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Andy

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