[rating=7.00]
For an album titled Stonerism, certain expectations might include spaced-out, fuzzy grooves. And those expectations would be right on, man. Chicago rockers Strange Faces deliver that and so much more on their debut record with its telling name. The lo-fi pop garage rock they’ve created is frenetic, but polished in that kind of intentionally messy way. It is retro but incredibly youthful and energetic, bursting at the seams with blasting electric guitars and thumping percussion. It is ultimate stoner music in the best way.
What started as a solo project for former Twin Peaks member David Miller has since morphed into four guys creating a supersize, reverb-heavy sound that brings insanely catchy pop melodies together with instrumentals that are absolute mayhem to behold. All in all, it’s a blast. Like a teenaged party that cannot be contained by the basement, Stonerism is explosive and contagious. You can hear 60’s doo wop in “Brand New Way” and pure punk rock in “Don’t Feel Bad”. “Been Waitin’” is vintage sun-drenched beach rock and “Nothin’ to Prove” is swaggering badassery. Each track unwraps into a deliciously addicting treat you can dance to or simply fade out to.
It may seem easy to get bogged down by the heavy duty fuzz, but blink and you’ll miss their infectious choruses and smooth harmonies. Stripped of all the noise, these are sweet and fully realized pop songs that honor their influences and give their sound a bright-eyed freshness. The record is smartly paced, rarely slowing down to catch a breath until the very last track “Long Time”. Its mellow build-up is just the right way to conclude a kinetic collection of songs, like a soothing sip of water to cure the worst cotton mouth (wink).
Though its release is late in 2015, Stonerism is bound to garner Strange Faces a slew of new fans who will eagerly follow them into the New Year and seek out their live shows. Count me among them.
