This is like looking through a rock'n'roll kaleidoscope. The basics are set in place and there are recognisable elements to The Fez, but most of the usual rules are blown into tiny colourful bits. Science Friction fuses disjointed jazz chops with all out heavy rock with a thinly veiled pop obsession. There's plenty of glitter over the top too; thundering drums, keyboards, synths, saxophone and even DJ scratch sounds pop up throughout. Thankfully these elements don't feel tacked on, it (mostly) seems like the heady variety is in the band's blood. Under all that zest though lies a simple, tight and driving indie band that could easily rival other relative newcomers like We Are Scientists or The Mystery Jets. The Fez are at their best when they really let rip but without the warmer or weirder moments elsewhere the surprise attack intro to 'Johnny Rico Reprise' or the crash-landing finish to '...Robotics' would have far less impact. A recent upgrade to become a seven piece outfit can only add another set of influences to The Fez's already disparate soul and really see their mixture fly. Great stuff.

Rating: 4/5 by Simon T Diplock

Tracklisting

1. Johnny Rico Reprise
2. San Diego
3. Jazz Hands
4. Solos
5. Naked Lunch Naked
6. Let's Start With The Three Fundamental Rules Of Robotics

Further links

The Fez (fezcore.com)

Official site of the eclectic rockers