Bozoo Releases Their Self-Titled Debut Album via Argonauta Records
Bozoo is an Italian stoner rock trio that got their start in 2019. The band's sound primarily melds classic stoner rock with acid grunge and alternative rock, combining the members' varying musical influences. Bozoo is also known for their high-octane live performances, where the goal is to keep the focus on the music itself with no embellishments, thereby giving their audience a raw and genuine performance.
Bozoo released their debut EP, Three Heads, in 2021. This dreamy, creative, and experimental EP shows the band cutting their teeth with a multitude of musical styles (successfully, I might add), honing in on what would become their signature sound.
On their full-length self-titled debut album, Bozoo bolsters their sound with more riff-driven songs, but with the goal of simultaneously providing a more emotional, thought-provoking experience. And, as we're all aware, the human condition can be just as heavy and unforgiving as a killer stoner riff. Bozoo released two singles from this new album: Skizzen (July 2024) and Mayday (September 2024). Now, as of October 11, 2024, the album is available in its entirety via Argonauta Records!
Bozoo's Self-Titled Debut Album
1. Mayday
The opening track has a punk/alternative feel with a dark undertone. It seems to serve as both a warning and a glimpse into the future.
2. Flushing Action
This song shakes off the cloak of punky anger donned in Mayday but maintains the alternative rock sound. The tone is deceptively bright, but the vibe from both the vocals and instrumentals gets noticeably darker as the song goes on. The lyrics seem to imply a brooding existence in which one's frustrations and resentment are bottled up to no good end. Of course, "flushing action" refers to driving a person out of hiding by force, and a low, heavy rumble about 2/3 of the way through the song seems to mark the initiation of such a maneuver.
3. Cut
Cut sharply switches gears with some burlier riffs and a distinct stoner rock/desert psych tonality. You can quite literally hear the good and evil fighting with each other here; the brightness of the lead guitar tries to break free of the grasp of the growling bass line while being urged along by booming, energetic drums. Meanwhile, the mental conflict caused by these warring sides as conveyed by the vocals is undeniable.
4. Scott Mary
Scott Mary is overflowing with QOTSA vibes (in a great way). There's a perfect ratio of stoner grit and melodic alternative groove. The catchy pre-chorus hooks will have you singing along.
5. Rolling
Rolling is all over the place in a delightfully mind-bending way, leaving you on the edge of your seat. The majority of the song is composed of punchy verses and dreamy, melodic choruses. As the song progresses, the contrast between these two sides sharply intensifies before it fades out with a wailing, almost mournful lead guitar solo.
6. Skizzen
Skizzen was the first single Bozoo released from the album, and it hooked me right away. Amid a spiraling stoner/desert groove, hypnotic vocals lure you in. There's also a sci fi element at play here via some spacey sounds, distortion, and an eerie, haunting change in the vocals during the choruses, sounding like a not-so-welcome voice in your head. The best part of Skizzen for me is how it manages to be both mesmeric and almost unsettling, like an instrument of mind control.
7. They Call Me Nobody
A grounding, snaking bass line leads into They Call Me Nobody and something I wasn't expecting: smoky, jazzy verses that dance with some of the grooviest stoner choruses. It's such an infectious combination, resulting in something that's smooth and sexy yet coarse and intense. This song is absolutely addictive, and as of this writing, my favorite on the album.
8. Bare Brench
Bare Brench is composed of spiraling, hypnotic desert-inspired psychedelic rock. Rather mournful and tragic in feeling, this song is a sharp contrast to the track before it. However, Bare Brench oozes a dark loveliness, in an almost romantic way.
9. Two Holes
Two Holes picks up the pace with what is arguably the most energetic song on the album, stoner riffage flirting with hardcore punk and punky vocal harmonies.
10. Over You
This song has the sound and feeling of a dream or dreamlike state, especially in the beginning with its hushed, soothing vocals and instrumentals. The pace picks up slightly but still maintains that hazy, illusory air, the string arrangements that are dotted throughout adding a layer of melancholia.
11. Choked Noise
Choked Noise is the longest song on the album at just over six and a half minutes. It's very fitting as a final song, as it feels like a great summation of everything Bozoo is doing on this album. Primarily blending stoner, alternative, and heavy rock, Choked Noise is cautious but optimistic, weighty yet buoyant, and, in congruence with the primary theme at hand, dark but light. The best part is, this lengthier track is also a great showcase of Bozoo's instrumental prowess.
Final Thoughts
First of all, I have to make note of the ample variety present on this album. Many styles are utilized: punk, alternative, grunge, stoner/desert rock, a hint of progressive/70s heavy rock, and a few surprises in between (such as the jazzy notes on They Call Me Nobody).
However, I think the most compelling aspect of Bozoo's full-length debut is the way it adheres to the theme of good and evil, exploring every facet of the concept. The band makes very clever use of contrast to illustrate this idea, taking it a step further by incorporating varying musical styles and palpable emotion in vocals and instrumentals alike. The result is an involving yet soothing and mesmeric atmosphere that really draws you in, hooks you, and fully captivates. In this way, Bozoo succeeds in gaining the attention of both your ears and your brain, inspiring deeper reflection.
More About Bozoo
Bozoo Is:
Marco Bendetti
Francesco Bardelli
Alessandro Lucarini
You can follow Bozoo and listen to their music at the following links:
A massive thank you to Argonauta Records and Grand Sounds PR for the promo!
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