Originally formed in 1985 as a Black Flag-influenced hardcore punk band called Virulence, FU MANCHU has since become one of hard rock’s most celebrated names. The band released its first single “Kept Between Trees” in 1990 and in the years following, helped give rise to an iconic style of heavy music born out of the desert and tagged “stoner rock” alongside peers such as Kyuss, Monster Magnet and Sleep.
Since the band’s inception, the quartet has built itself a fanatical army of loyal enthusiasts all drawn to the group’s guitar-driven sound and carefree lyrics centered on “old muscle cars, choppers, vans, skateboarding and science fiction.” Over their career, the band has released 13 albums and has performed to sold out audiences all over the world.
2024 marks another first for the “fuzz rock” pioneers with the release of their 14th album, The Return Of Tomorrow, their first double album of new material. Conceived as vinyl listening experience, the first LP features 7 songs in their iconic heavy fuzz sound including the first single, “Hands Of The Zodiac” and the relentlessly catchy “Loch Ness Wrecking Machine.” The second LP sees the band mellowing out with 6 slower tempo jams including the synth inflected “Solar Baptized” and the title track. Both LPs are 45RPM for the thickest possible sound. Digital listeners need not worry, as the CD, download and streaming versions of the album are mastered specifically for those formats.
In the 6 years since their last album of new material, Scott Hill, Brad Davis, Bob Balch and Scott Reeder released a live album, 6 reissues, 3 new EPs and the soundtrack to Glen E. Friedman’s documentary, A Look Back - Dogtown & Z-Boys, in addition to a rigorous touring schedule. The Kings of The Road aren’t slowing down anytime soon.