Three piece band BOZOO are all the way from Italy, they have been around since their formation in the year 2019, as three very skilled musicians who are Marco Benedetti, Francesco Bardelli and Alessandro Lucarini come together to bring their growing fan base a great mix of alternative rock, grunge and stoner rock influences into their music. Their music can be described by the band themselves as ‘the goal of creating uncompromising music, drawing inspiration from the genre's roots while keeping an eye on the future.’ So their statement is clear enough for sure and so after a year or two since their formation, they came to releasing their debut release, an EP titled THREE HEADS. The EP would have been the first time they were heard, the EP itself certainly made a good impression, it isn’t too loud, it is very much what the band represents with alternative rock influences.

The EP also brings out more of the stoner rock and seems to create a very soothing, atmospheric and acoustic tone, as such this was a perfect introduction to the band for new listeners, even for anyone who were into alternative rock but had not heard of new bands. So if you are in the same position then fear not, BOZOO could be the band for you to listen to and I am sure you will not be let down. So moving on from their EP, after three more years the band got their golden opportunity to head back into the studio to record what has now been released, yes it is their debut studio album which is self-titled BOZOO, throughout 2024, two songs from the album were released along the way.

So without further delay, we can go right into the band’s full length album, starting with “Mayday” as we hear a cool guitar riff intro before the vocalist is bouncing along on its own rhythm accompanied by drums, guitars and bass. A simple straight forward rhythm is played in the next section, before we hear the faster drum pattern with vocals right on the button with the title of the song synchronising so well with the other instruments. So a very positive and wonderful start to the album, as we head on into “Flushing Action” as we hear a grunge/stoner rock guitar riff that is low in tone and not as fast as the previous track. The vocals were clearly well mixed and produced, as we hear a short instrumental section as well as drums really making itself known, there is a real sense of rhythm here for guitars and drums to focus on.

As we progress on there is more from vocals as we come to the next track which is “Cut” where drums picks up the pace with some real syncopated beats, as guitar provides the melodic riffs we have heard but they are very appealing. Vocals do eventually join in as we hear some really cool patterns from drums, as well as super vocals that speak so well and clearly, but in that real old-school rock ‘n’ roll tone. We come to a nice instrumental section once more where the lower tones of drums, riff playing of guitar and bass guitar also contribute to the sound of this band that defines the grunge style that would have been popular in the late 1980’s and 1990’s.

“Scott Mary” comes from a pretty cool and fun drum pattern in the previous track, going right into the guitar riffs playing superbly, vocals joining in with that right in your face’ rock approach. There is a bouncy and up beat rhythm from drums in the verse, as lead guitar follows along spotting each snare hit from drums but lead guitar really lets itself go in the instrumental section where bass guitar also has a chance to show what it can do. The correlation of lead guitar and vocals is such a joy to hear, drums really compliments this with an alternative rock tone, as bass guitar adds in some solo playing not often heard really so that’s a real treat in itself. As the rest of the band comes back with vocals, the guitars and drums bring it to a real crescendo and bang into the next track which is “Rolling”.

This fifth track has hard hitting drum fill at the intro, then real groovy patterns from guitar and drums with a bit of a swing, as vocals speak so clearly as there is a more open section where there is space for vocals to sing sweetly. So we have those two sections as the band goes from one groovy section to a more open section with more space, then a new addition as there is a bridge that has more ideas from vocals, drums and guitars to explore with a more straightforward rhythm and time structure. So a short enough track, going into “Skizzen” with some electronic effects at the start that are so cool then lead guitar takes over with the sound effects playing in the background, drums coming into the fore plus vocals.

This sixth track has so much clarity with drums, guitars taking the lead in those transitions as every other instrument follows along, so much room for additional parts from guitars or drums even those electronic sound effects twisting and turning once more. This is a real atmospheric track that has so much to offer with a grunge and garage rock tone, the transition where the tempo changes again not far from the end of this track so this sets up the path for the next track which is “They Call Me Nobody”. Track seven is with some real bass guitar based intro, drums also creating some nifty fills and spills as vocals emerge with a real echo effect, as this is an opportunity for bass guitar to stand out, lead guitar takes on the other section where there is more noise and awesome rock style playing.

Lead guitar gets a nice solo section with drums supporting as vocals then return, as there is some versatile creative play by guitars and drums as well as bass guitar so there is letting down here really by the band. As there is a real groovy section with drums and guitars as vocals takes this one to lead us into the next track which is “Bare Brench” being the eighth track as bass guitar introduces to this one with cymbals being hit softly with drum hits also. Vocals start off slowly and don’t overstep the mark at all, allowing space and room for drums and guitars to play at much lower level as we can hear the calm before the storm enrages with lead guitar and drums. Vocals ramp up the pressure and dynamics with drums in play as well as guitars then taking the lead after, with drums responding to their call,

“Two Holes” is up next is sustain and holding notes on lead guitar, as faster drum patterns with fills, as well as additional ideas allow vocals to come in to let it all out as they do become more dominant this time. With each word from the vocals, the drums and guitar fill in the space, so this works so well musically and sonically also, even guitars merging with drums to give that grunge and alternative rock feel. Bass guitar gets a short time in the spotlight, before the drums and guitars come back with vengeance as vocals slowly come back sustaining each note with its words as lead guitar then puts every instrument in place for a heavier section. Then this comes to a gradual finish as we head into the next track which is “Over You”.

This track opens with slow, but melodic guitar riff playing as vocals come in softly at first and drums drop in suddenly setting up a simple pattern of kicks and snares with cymbals also. Vocals have a real reverb effect and this is altered around as the track progresses, there is no complexion or anything too hard to follow along, as drums lay down basic patterns. There is a string instrument also being heard in the background towards the end, as we now head into the final track of this album which is “Choked Noise”. A blip sound effect can be heard in the distance but then boom, the band kick down the door to let themselves in for some real kick ass rock rhythms from lead guitar and patterns from drums, all very neat and tidy.

There are some delightful drum patterns and guitar solo playing, working well together, as each instrument has their own part to play individually and as part of the band. The pace quickens more and more accelerating then it comes to slight pause as the tempo slows down with lead guitar leading the way as drums and bass guitar follow along, vocals bowing out so every other instrument could stand out, as they don’t return. Nevertheless this was a great album certainly full of surprises and just some creative mixes of grunge, stoner rock and alternative styles that work so well together, I couldn’t recommend these guys more, check them out and stand back as they take you on a rollercoaster adventure.