Further confirmation that for kids out west (in the U.S., anyway), "desert rock" is the preferable term for fuzzed-out power rock. Pink Fuzz is more active and kinetic than other bands that have appropriated this description, blasting out a seemingly endless number of upbeat, tuneful and fuzzed out songs.

Pink Fuzz Resolution (self-released)

Kinda like if Superchunk played Weedeater (and harmonized). At times, the punky spikiness reminds me of the most recent Caustic Casanova album. There's a manic energy to the songwriting that speeds up the sludge without destroying it.

The distinctive sound is aided by a pristine production. Every piece of fuzz is given its place on tape. Should that work? No. This should sound like a treble-heavy buzzsaw, and yet the full power comes through without compromising precision. All too impressive.

This album engages from beginning to end, never losing the momentum established at the start. For Pink Fuzz, this is a big step. The band jumps out of a crowded field of fuzz bombers and lands on its own, front and center. Fans of loud, fuzzy and tuneful music will have to travel far beyond the desert to find a more appealing album than this.

Jon Worley