Fu Manchu

This Southern California quartet has been driven by a penchant for motorbikes, low-rider cars and Mary Jane since its inception on the same Bong Load label that released Beck’s early stuff. Its latest album explores territory inhabited by such peers as Kyuss, Spirit Caravan and Mondo Generator, with considerable effect. Fueled by a healthy dose of fuzz guitar and powerhouse drumming, tunes like “Squash That Fly” and “Downtown in Dogtown” rock as good as any Queens of the Stone Age track. Characteristically, Fu Manchu gives attention to such timely artifacts as the horrific Bultaco motorcycle and the once popular Mongoose, a BMX relic. California Country reeks of practice sessions swathed in excess of beer, pot and motorbike smoke. If you’re wondering why Black Sabbath made the wrong turn years ago, do yourself a favor and investigate their latest rocker. A must-have for head-shop enthusiasts.