FOLLAKZOID レコード& CD

Review: It's taken some time to get here, and wherever that is, you can bet everything in your bank account Follakzoid are not done yet. Originally hailing from Santiago, Chile, but now based in Mexico City, over the past 16 years output has gone through various mutations and stylistic developments, shapeshifting depending on where home was at that time and who was involved in the production and writing processes. Melding post punk, psychedelic rock, Krautrock and electronica, largely improvised sessions give birth to mutant tracks that live in the dark, strobe-hued corners of industrial rooms and subterranean dens. Following up the critically acclaimed I (released in 2019), V represents yet another evolution in sound, as elements of techno are brought to the fore, accentuating the dance floor potential of all they do.

Review: If this is your first encounter with Follakzoid then prepare to feel a blustering wind rushing through your hair, even if that is only symbolically speaking. Hailing from Chile, the three piece proudly lay claim to influences that date back to the ancient music of the Andes mountain range dominating a vast chunk of their homeland. But if you didn't know that, their work would likely strike you as blisteringly powerful progressive rock with math, garage and grunge elements.


Or at least that's certainly true of 'El Humo', third track on this self-titled gem that feels purpose built for sweaty basements down dodgy backstreets. And the same can be said for 'Directo Al Sol'. Elsewhere, though, more spiritual nuances dominate. 'Loop' seems to send its loose guitar twangs into the cosmos, while 'Sky Input II' invites us to look over the edge of the peak into an endless beyond. Magical stuff.