Track Listing:
Artist: Fu Manchu
Title: Clone of the Universe
Release Date: February 9, 2018
Label: At the Dojo Records
Rating: 5 fucking skulls
Legendary fuzz rock pioneers “Fu Manchu” recently announced the upcoming release of their new album, “Clone of the Universe” via their own label “At the Dojo Records”. This will be the band’s first release since the album “Gigantoid” in 2014. With a total of 12 albums, and a career spanning 30+ years this album breaks new ground for a band that has consistently been pushing the boundaries of the “fuzz & wah” sound since it’s formation in the 1990’s. The new album “Clone of the Universe” consists of 7 tracks of new material with the centerpiece being an 18 minute & 8 second, side-long, epic featuring a guest performance by Alex Lifeson, guitarist & songwriter for the legendary band “RUSH”.
To further illustrate the Fu Manchu phenomenon, please feast your eyes upon this audiovisual adventure of epic proportions and allow me to catch you up; “King of the Road says you move too slow”:
As previously noted, Fu Manchu formed in the 1990’s and has shared the stage with such band’s as Kyuss, Monster Magnet, Marilyn Manson, Clutch, Corrosion of Conformity, White Zombie, Sevendust & POD among others. Noteworty cuts such as, “Evil Eye” from the band’s 1997 album “The Action is Go” featured on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 in 2000 or the track “Mongoose” from their 2001 album “California Crossing” featured in a Super Bowl ad for Toyota Sequoia in 2008. Masters of that 1970’s stoner rock vibe, complete with style, distortion, rebellious skater kids and 1970’s American muscle cars.
The newest installment in the ever expanding “Fu Manchu” catalog; “Clone of the Universe,” is just as heavy as any album the band has done in the past. With over a half an hour of new material consisting of 6 riveting tracks and one 18 minute, side- long epic responsible for over half of the album. Compromised of blistering, abrasive rock, unexpected time shifts, roaring and dynamically complex cuts, “Clone of the Universe” is sure to quench that dry-mouth thirst in the stoner rock genre.
From driving and swerving tracks like “(I’ve Been) Hexed” and “Don’t Panic” to the intricate title track “Clone of the Universe” and the elaborate centerpiece “Il Mostro Atomico”. There is simply not one track on this album that is not deserving of accolades. It’s dirty, grinding, sleazy, gritty, beautiful, amazing goodness.
In addition to the announcement of the new album, a world tour has also been announced. Beginning with 2 album release shows in Southern California, then touring Europe in March of 2018, before returning to the US in May of 2018. Additional 2018 shows will be announced in the coming months. Of the upcoming tour and album, vocalist and guitar player Scott Hill says:
“We are excited to get out and play this stuff, especially “Il Mostro Atomico,” We think it’s some the strongest music we’ve ever done. We really love the overall sound of the album and having Alex (Lifeson) play on it is just incredible. It gives it that special validation for the idea that we had to try something like a side long song.”
Fu Manchu is:
Scott Hill (vocals, guitar)
Bob Balch (guitars)
Brad Davis (Bass)
Scott Reeder (Drums/Percussion)
FU MANCHU 2018 Tour Dates:
“Clone of the Universe” recorded & produced by Fu Manchu and Jim Monroe at The Racket Room in Santa Ana, CA with additional recording by Andrew Giacumakis at SUSSTUDIO in Simi Valley, CA. Released worldwide for streaming and vinyl by band’s own label “At the Dojo Records” on February 9th, 2018.
