Album Review: Halfnoise – 'Natural Disguise'

Funky psychedelic garage rock where the grooves truly are divine.

Natural Disguise is the debut album from Zac Farro’s Halfnoise. You may know Farro for being the drummer for Paramore, but Halfnoise is a far cry from ‘Misery Business’ or ‘Hard Times’. Inspired by the music of the 60s and 70s, Farro has created a wonderful psych-rock piece of work that nods towards the famous Nuggetsgarage rock compilation in Natural Disguises. 

First track ‘Woodstock Snap’ is a strangely brilliant opening track. Clocking in at only 1:22, it begins with a scuzzy riff then takes an unexpected turn as a laid-back garage rock tune. The garage rock vibe continues perfectly in ‘Who Could You Be’, and ‘Guess’ takes on more of a funk feel. However, from ‘Boogie Juice / Apple Man’, a smooth psychedelic groove is emphasised by Halfnoise. Think Brothers­-era Black Keys. Tame Impala fans will appreciate this album too – ‘Natural Disguise’ features a space-like middle; ‘Know It’s Her’ is a 45 second folk interlude, and ‘Cinnamon Sugar’ is so funky you could mistake it for a Funkadelic song. 

Words by Matthew Brocklehurst

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