Muzz
by Muzz
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jun 5, 2020
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. GuitarPen
    Jun 6, 2020
    8
    Newly-formed Indie-Rock supergroup, Muzz swings a velvet hammer on their self-titled debut album. Interpol frontman Paul Banks is joined by old friends Matt Barrick (The Walkmen) on drums and Josh Kaufman (Bonny Light Horsemen) on everything else.

    There is a familiar soft acoustic 70's classic rock vibe that feels like a synthesis of Mike Nesmith, America, The Allman Brothers, and    Newly-formed Indie-Rock supergroup, Muzz swings a velvet hammer on their self-titled debut album. Interpol frontman Paul Banks is joined by old friends Matt Barrick (The Walkmen) on drums and Josh Kaufman (Bonny Light Horsemen) on everything else.

    There is a familiar soft acoustic 70's classic rock vibe that feels like a synthesis of Mike Nesmith, America, The Allman Brothers, and Marshall Crenshaw. Yet with all these strains crying out for recognition, the end result is inspiring and unique.

    "Bad Feeling" sets the tone, fuzing in a subtle lo-fi hum, like crickets on a summer night. The lyrics are deep and profound and the meaning isn't often clear upon the first listen. "We're pretty ancient, that's what all the silence means. Speed runs the whole generation, the torment of ease." The velvet hammer hits hard on the infectious gem "Evergreen" which speaks of love, addiction, and dependency, "One medication, one thing to bring you over. ... Don't ever really need it, somehow it's taking over."

    The single, "Red Western Sky" is a hauntingly perilous expression of low self-worth which feels a lot The National's dramatic hurtling. "Everything Like it Used to Be" is Byrd's-sounding track with layered rhythms and harmonies and one of the stronger cuts on the album. It's not all mellow gold, however. "Knuckleduster," and "How Many Days," pack a punch and Josh Kaufman's skilled guitar work comes front and center.

    All in all, Muzz has dropped a promising debut from three friends whose talents blend well. Paul Bank's seductive and polished vocals ride nicely over Barrick and Kaufman's smart sonic textures. It's a laid-back summer sound which will go down nicely by the pool, along the beach or on the open road with the windows rolled down.    … Expand
  2. TallSaint
    Jun 6, 2020
    10
    Absolutely brilliant, summery eve tunes decorated with perfectly subtle melodic flourishes.
  3. alxmsn
    Jul 1, 2020
    8
    A very good album, Interpol fans should love it! The music is reasonably laid back, with some beautiful tunes.
  4. Ricko
    Jan 1, 2021
    8
    As an Interpol nut, I was always going to be checking out Muzz, Mr Bank's side project. This is also moody and brooding but on the other side of it to Interpol and closer to something the Dessner brother would be involved in than the original NYC kings of cool. There are a few tracks that grab the listener straight away ("Red Western Sky", "Knuckleduster" and brilliantly understated openerAs an Interpol nut, I was always going to be checking out Muzz, Mr Bank's side project. This is also moody and brooding but on the other side of it to Interpol and closer to something the Dessner brother would be involved in than the original NYC kings of cool. There are a few tracks that grab the listener straight away ("Red Western Sky", "Knuckleduster" and brilliantly understated opener "Bad Feeling"). The other tracks take a few more listens but this self titled debut is a fine record. Don't mistake underwhelming with the gloomily chilled out vibe. This album has plenty of personality and style once it is allowed to breathe. It's an interesting and somewhat unexpected sound from members of bands that defined indie rock of the 00's in Interpol and The Walkmen.… Expand
  5. frankrog29
    Jun 15, 2020
    8
    Muzz is an exquisite album. No offense, Paul Banks, but I was not expecting you to come out with something this great, mostly because I was not impressed with the last three Interpol albums. Mr. Banks should explore the style on Muzz more often. I am used to hearing him in fast, muscular post-punk songs, a la Interpol, yet the style on Muzz suits him very well. I didn’t think that he wouldMuzz is an exquisite album. No offense, Paul Banks, but I was not expecting you to come out with something this great, mostly because I was not impressed with the last three Interpol albums. Mr. Banks should explore the style on Muzz more often. I am used to hearing him in fast, muscular post-punk songs, a la Interpol, yet the style on Muzz suits him very well. I didn’t think that he would be able to make a mellow, understated album that is so detailed, intricate, and dreamlike. Muzz is highly influenced by the Velvet Underground, and it is adorned with synthesizers reminiscent of Stereolab. I can also hear the influence of spaghetti western soundtracks, just as I could on the Interpol album Our Love to Admire. In fact, if you enjoyed that album, then I think you will definitely enjoy Muzz. It came out at the right time too; it’s very warm and languid, perfect for a lazy day at the beach, on the river, or wherever you may relax this summer. It is minimal, understated, and embellished with beautiful, lush horns. This album takes me to places I never thought Mr. Banks would take me; it is instantly one of my favorite albums by him and my favorite album of 2020 so far.… Expand
  6. Lajaleaa
    Sep 30, 2020
    7
    ( 80/100 )

    Conformada por Paul Banks (vocalista de Interpol), Matt Barrick (baterista de Jonathan Fire Eater, The Walkmen y Fleet Foxes) y Josh Kaufman (productor para The National, The War On Drugs, entro otros, e integrante de Bonny Light Horseman), Muzz, la nueva banda, promete música madura y sensible. Con la ayuda de D. James Goodwin, en este primer álbum exploran su amplitud y    ( 80/100 )

    Conformada por Paul Banks (vocalista de Interpol), Matt Barrick (baterista de Jonathan Fire Eater, The Walkmen y Fleet Foxes) y Josh Kaufman (productor para The National, The War On Drugs, entro otros, e integrante de Bonny Light Horseman), Muzz, la nueva banda, promete música madura y sensible. Con la ayuda de D. James Goodwin, en este primer álbum exploran su amplitud y tamaño, pues no le teme a la extensión, pero tampoco se presiona por la velocidad del concepto. Con detalles interesantes y narrativas musicales emotivas, "Muzz" es un amable discurso sobre "madurar duele, pero es el camino correcto", la memoria y la paz en el presente. En general, "Muzz" es una prueba piloto que tiene éxito en sondear y construir un propio estilo que permita expresar con libertar un futuro prometedor en la música. Por ahora, solo queda esperar un complemento en su discografía para determinar el atractivo de Muzz.
    -
    Conformed by Paul Banks (vocalist of Interpol), Matt Barrick (drummer for Jonathan Fire Eater, The Walkmen, and Fleet Foxes) and Josh Kaufman (producer for The National, The War On Drugs, etc., and member of Bonny Light Horseman), Muzz, the new band, promises mature and sensible music. With help from D. James Goodwin, in this first album, they explore their wideness and size, since they are fearless to extension, and yet have no pressure over the velocity of the concept. With interesting details and emotive musical narratives, "Muzz" is a kind speech about "mature hurts, but is the right path," memory, and peace in the present. Overall, "Muzz" is a pilot test that has success in palpate and build a personal style that allows them to express freely in a promising future in music. For now, it just left to wait for a complement in their discography to know the attractiveness of Muzz.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. American Songwriter
    Aug 17, 2020
    80
    Somehow simultaneously edgy yet soothing, these songs may not display the type of unbridled, jagged joy that these members’ main bands provide, but there is depth and complexity here, inviting immersive exploration.
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  2. Q Magazine
    Jun 9, 2020
    80
    A record that pulls you in slowly over repeated listens. [Summer 2020, p.103]
  3. DIY Magazine
    Jun 8, 2020
    80
    Those seeking another Interpol record won’t have much luck here, but ‘Muzz’ stands confident on its own two feet.
    Read full review
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