Michael Sanders Channels Austin’s Sonic Soul on New Album fuzzer

Austin-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Michael Sanders makes a bold return with his fuzzed-out second album, titled Fuzzer, a ten-track journey that is equally tight as it is emotionally rich. The album clocks in at just under 30 minutes, making for a tightly packed burst of pure indie pop-rock joy, marked by noisy guitar textures, melodic hooks, with Sanders’ distinct nostalgic lyricism.

Fuzzer serves as a love letter to Austin’s vibrant music scene. The album has the most obvious nods to 60s-inflected indie rock with tracks such as “impression,” “only want u,” and “bb plz.” 

The tracks “the wild” and “the best” seem to embrace an enticingly shimmering, unapologetically pop sound while still retaining the vintage charm. Sanders’ record is characterized by contrasts as fuzzy power-pop riffs collide with dreamy harmonies, and break-beat inspired drum grooves.

There is a lived-in warmth to this album. It feels new yet familiar, formed by restraint but bursting with energy. "I set out to make something that would work well live," Sanders only modestly explains. Fuzzer is not simply a studio product; it is a performance-ready representation of a city living vibrantly through live expression.