Fu Manchu - Signs of Infinite Power

Fu Manchu are back with album number 11 for them and if you are like me wanting a return to the glory days like "King Of The Road" and "In Search Of " you maybe disappointed but this is still another good release just the same. One thing i feel has been lacking from Fu Manchu in recent years is the lack of hooky riffs like they used to have on the older albums. This album suffers from the same problem, while there is all the classic trademarks, big riffs, attitude and the fuzz sound it lacks any instant classic tunes. Negatives aside the album has got some kick ass moments, "Bionic Astronautics" kicks things off in typical Fu Manchu style, signature heavy fuzz riffs are there but also a slightly different approach to their songwriting. In fact this whole album sounds like they are trying real hard to do something different while still retaining the classic sound the band has. For the most part is works, "Webfoot Witch Hat", "One Step Too Far" and the title track are all great tracks with the band running at full steam. Its on tracks like "Against the Ground" where the band seems to be in cruise control, not that its a bad track its just not a tune that will have you reaching for the repeat button. "Gargantuan March" has a decent riff but once again has no lasting effect on me, "Eyes x 10" is one of the highlights on the album with a great riff and feel. One of the outstanding things about the album though is the drums, they sound loud and heavy as hell. There is not much to say about a album like this, if you are already familiar with Fu Manchu you will know what to expect, if not this album is as good as anything they have released since the "King Of The Road" days but much better than "Start The Machine" but not as good as "We Must Obey". I am a long time fan of the band since first hearing them back in the mid 90's but i feel the best days are now behind them, this a very listenable album but lacks the powerful hooks that made the early albums so special. Having said all that the band still rules in a live setting and these songs should sound more powerful on stage and it will be interesting to see which songs make to their live set. It is great that the band shows no signs of slowing down and this album will sit comfortably with their other albums but i can't see it being regarded as a Stoner/Fuzz Rock classic, just a album that continues the tradition of "So Cal Fuzz Rock" that Fu Manchu has so much to do with creating. The album should be available to all within a couple of weeks. 7/10