Indie-Punk act Strawberry Fuzz have released their new single ‘Wasting My Time’. The LA quartet have been keeping busy this year, committing to a three-track teaser to really highlight their chaotic (and very enjoyable) sound. We also had the pleasure of asking a few questions about it, as well as other important things, like their favourite fruit.
Hello Strawberry Fuzz, how’s it going? “We’re great! We’re on tour and have the day off in San Francisco, filling this out from Delores Park.”
You’re soon to release your new single ‘Wasting My Time’ – what can you tell us about it? “Wasting My Time” is an end of the night rant. That feeling when the party is over and all the beer is gone, and you’re pissed you stayed out too late.”
Strawberry Fuzz’s new single, ‘Wasting My Time’ is a gritty and antsy continuation of the US
band’s alt-rock sound. After capturing their live sound on a collection of demos, ‘Wasting My Time’ is a track that sets their chaotic sound in stone.
It’s the start of a “proper” release following Fuzztapes Vol. 1 last year. Have you done things differently for it compared to recording the Fuzztapes demos? “This is more of a full production. We tracked drums in a proper studio and are making the songs sound bigger, taking out time in the studio. Fuzztapes were done in our guitarist Alex’s living room, demo style.”
It’s a confident and expressive rant about needlessly spending time on life’s mundane distractions. Pounding drums drive the frustration it depicts home, while fuzzy guitars fit for a Stooges song, along with chanting and distorted choruses, tie the tune together.
The guitars aren’t the only thing providing this song with a punky tone; the vocal – sang by frontman, Colby Rodgers – is spat out with the kind of attitude exhibited on a Fugazi or Murder Capital cut. Such elements point to the influence the band have taken from punk, a tone they seem decidedly settled in. They wrap their instruments around it with a mastery usually seen with much more established bands.
The song lives within the same world that’s created across the band’s discography; a dimly lit, sprawling and granular one that exhibits echoes of the old-school rock ’n’ roll of David Bowie and the Velvet Underground. It’s their ability to live so insistently within this world that gives their sound it’s edge.
Strawberry Fuzz are a tight group and, having well and truly found the sound they’ve been looking for, we all can’t wait to see what’s next.
Can we expect to hear more music from you this year? “Absolutely. We have so many songs in the can. We write too many songs and we can’t wait to share them.”
Finally, what is your favourite fruit? “Flaming Hot Cheetos. Extra hot.”