(DRT Entertainment) Total Time: 35:34
I won't lie to you -- I love Fu Manchu. They would have to put out a total stinker for me to not like one of their records. The Fu was one of the bands that got me listening to heavy rock again, and was a gateway to discovering a whole genre of bands and music that I really love. If bands can be prophets, then the heavy fuzz riffage of albums like "In Search of," "Eatin' Dust," "The Action is Go," and even "King of the Road" were definitely like bearded dudes leading me to paradise. When I first heard them, I quickly picked up all their music that I possibly could. As one of the original stoner rock bands, at least in the modern era, Fu Manchu has been around for much longer than most bands can manage, which in itself says something. Blending thick-as-molasses heavy riffs with songs about cars and movies, the band has toured non-stop and established itself as one of the best in the business.
However, those waters can only be sailed for so long. Signed to a reasonably-major label in Mammoth Records, Fu Manchu seemed to make a choice back in 2001, and that was to either stay safe, and unknown, or try something new. "California Crossing" was released, and noticeably absent was any trace of fuzzy guitars. Band mainman Scott Hill explained the fuzz was gone because someone had stolen his fuzz pedal while on tour, but legions of irate fans claimed they had "sold out" in hopes of commercial success. Now you find fans split on what Fu Manchu is today; some say they are shadows of their former glory, while others hold to them as being a kickass hard rock band. Calculated ploy or not, it doesn't seem "California Crossing" was overly successful (like so many ill-fated releases in the fall of 2001), and with Mammoth's demise, Fu Manchu found themselves without a label. The high octane double-live album "Go For It...Live!" came out in '03 on SPV, but many wondered what would be next for Fu Manchu.
2004 brings us "Start the Machine," a DRT Entertainment release. Rumor had it that this album was going to be back to vintage Fu, fuzz pedals and all. That is somewhat true, and also an exaggeration. "Start the Machine" is definitely a stronger album than "California Crossing," and definitely heavier. But as for being a throwback to the days of "In Search Of," listeners hoping for that will be disappointed. Scott Hill continues to sing rather than groan out his lines as he did in the old days, a trend begun with "King of the Road." Choruses are big, and the songs are tight and lean. Bob Balch's guitar playing is what it is; skilled, Balch tends to stay in a familiar pocket with his lead work. He's a guy you know when you hear, which is good . . . I'd just like to hear more of what he could do if he let himself loose a little more. New drummer Scott Reeder brings a lot of energy to the mix, which is definitely a high point. As for bassist Brad Davis, probably the best musician in the band, we hear his bass a little, but it is still somewhat down in the mix. What is most evident, and different, about "Start the Machine" is the punk influence, particularly on songs like "I Can't Hear You" and the sneering "Open Your Eyes." This is a style that Hill has always claimed a preference for, so it is cool to see the band exploring that direction for something a little different.
"Start the Machine" is a solid rock album. Great? No. Essential? For Fu fans, yes . . . but if you are a newcomer wanting to know what Fu Manchu is all about, I recommend the "Eatin' Dust" EP. The more I listen to "Start the Machine," the more I enjoy it. But like I said, I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Fu Manchu fan. Give it a shot for some straight up, fist-pumping rock. And by all means, go see them on tour with Clutch; they absolutely deliver the goods live!
