Fuzzer is the second full-length album from Michael Sanders, and it’s landed him on our radar.

By Graeme Smith

Opening in vibrant style through the catchy Impression, it’s tempting to feel you’ve got the measure of fuzzer early on. There’s a throwback feel to it which mixes with a modern edge. Yet, that’s not all there is to the story and, as the album unfolds, we get a few surprises.

The Wild gives us a swinging, Fleetwood Mac-esque moment. There are elements of Weezer’s soft moments, particularly the swaying Skater, Skater. A classic sound grapples with modern pop sensibilities across each track. At times, it’s rock; at other times, it’s pop. It straddles the line between the two with poise.

After some soul-searching reflection in Surface of Glass, The Best closes things in lively, cathartic style.

“In creating this record, I set out to make something that would translate well live. I tried to use more restraint than I have in the past. This is my Austin album. Through these songs, I am sonically reflecting back the parts of Austin [Texas, USA] and its music scene that I see in myself,” Sanders says.

Fuzzer feels like an album for the ages, and the perfect first impression for anyone who’s discovering Michael Sanders’ music for the first time (as we are.)

The album is out now and you can give it a listen below.