FUZZRIDER – Desert Boogie

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · June 24, 2026

FUZZRIDER is a heavy blues trio from Athens Greece. Utilizing fuzzed-out stoner rock and heavy psychedelic blues, the band consists of Jim Lord on guitars and vocals, Nick Giannoulis on bass, and Brian Velentzas on drums. They released their debut Self Titled album in 2023 and just released their latest sophomore record, aptly titled Desert Boogie on May 24th 2026. It contains nine tracks at forty one minutes long.

“Blues Away” begins with a fuzzy bass line that explodes into a righteous stoner blues anthem. The heavy and direct riff magnet of a song is catchy and mesmerizing. The simple and massive groove instilled on these nine tracks is remarkable. The title track “Desert Boogie” is just that, a boogie rocking song with a driving resonance. The ultra fuzzy riffs and echo-effect vocals burn a deep groove. The song has an elegant swagger of rhythm and scorching leads to burn up the cadence. “Get Back To You” has a simple hook in the bluesy sway enhanced by copious amounts of fuzz and attitude. FUZZRIDER locks in with these tracks and quenches the thirst for hard edged heavy and gritty blues rock.

The fourth track entitled “Head Low” is a slower and more traditional style of blues. The deep but smooth vocals of Jim Lord are excellent and he has a way of hypnotizing the listener with his tone. “Make You Mine” is a heavier stampede of swampy blues mixed with some stoner doom. “Above” starts with the drums and then the vocals, followed by the bass and then finally the guitars. The flow is strong and once everything is jamming along, the song keeps expanding. Fiery leads and a groove that keeps progressing, FUZZRIDER is one hell of ride! “Mama Said” keeps the blues a rocking and ravages through the desert rock atmosphere with a storming breeze.

“River Of Stone” is an electrifying wallop of blues derived rock, layered with southern style leads and heavy riffs of fuzz. The final track on Desert Boogie begins with the distorted low end. “Runaway” is another great song solidifying this strong release in its riffalicious audio refrain. FUZZRIDER has my attention and I’m really digging this album, with its honest and soulful conveyance and savage execution.