Fortezza

Fortezza – Future Dimensions EP

Fortezza’s “Future Dimensions EP” delves into the glorious grit that is garage rock. The fiery spirit that possesses the entirety of the collection. By opting for such incredible dynamics, Fortezza at times recalls that caustic wit and outright infectious riffs of Shellac, Steve Albini’s most recent creation. Drums pound with such fury, the riffs explore strange gnarled terrain. Over the course of the collection Fortezza shows off their considerable chops while they sprawl out to incorporate elements of psychedelic rock with a lo-fi indie sheen. Incorporating these stylistic flourishes allows Fortezza to highlight the dreamier elements of their sound, with vocals swimming through the many fields of distortion.

Jagged edges introduce the opening beast that is “Dr. Walther”. Within this singular piece, the muscle courtesy of the phenomenal rhythm section allows the deadpan vocal delivery to further emphasize the defiance of their lyricism. Nearly tribal with the drumming “FM” has a threatening, ominous presence to it. Aptly named “Beatnik” veers wildly from full-on aural assault to a casual sly groove. Sprawling out into the furthest reaches of psychedelic rock, “Opia” plays with listener expectations, twisting and turning while never losing the shadowy atmosphere. “Mesmerizing Menace (Creature)” strips things down to the absolute essentials giving the song an intimate quality. The massive swagger of “Drop.” virtually demands huge dollops of volume. Neatly bringing everything to a close is the impressive highly intricate structure of “Zeitgeist”.

With “Future Dimensions EP” Fortezza opts for a surrealistic take on rock n roll’s unruly spirit. - Beach Sloth