Certain subculture bands have risen and flirted with/achieved mainstream recognition, placing the terms “stoner rock” and “desert rock” onto soccer mom tongues. Certain bands didn’t.
Fu Manchu may not show up on every BMW media player, but have garnered success in their 30 year existence. Intent on rocking out with every fiber of their being, they certainly stand on the podium with Kyuss (they even share an ex-member, Brant Bjork), The Sword, and Clutch.
Sticking to thunderous riffs as the foundation, Fu Manchu charge forward on Clone of the Universe. It features slick production with the space ting that many stoner bands cross into, soaking in the fuzz and psychedelic topography to expand the output.
Songs linger around the three-minute mark, avoiding the tropes of other bands reworking a riff to its death, save for the final track, a 14 minute delve into the cosmos with two guest musicians, “Il Mostro Atomico” featuring guitarist Alex Lifeson (associated with Rush and Gene Rodenberry), and Curtis Mathewson (Gentlemen of Leisure, Altered States) on pedalboard. The track takes up the entirety of the vinyl’s B side.
Fu Manchu’s music is crisp and fraught. The rollicking rhythms churn up dust and boast serotonin-saturated riffs which brace their legacy. “Don’t Panic” does this with balls and a hectic pacing, while “I’ve been Hexed” achieves the same impact with a plodding, lapping pulse.
“Slower Than Light” is a crown jewel here, traversing a few time changes to stand proudly. The title track rallies around volume and grandiose songwriting. Fu Manchu have maintained their unscathed emission of ‘cool’ with “Clone of the Universe.” They seem to just embody an impenetrable veneer. Another stellar record from the boys.
RIYL: Kyuss, Atomic Bitchwax, Truckfighters, Nebula, Yawning Man, Mondo Generator
