The Fool's Agenda just gave us a rock opus of an album that plays out like a concept record and brings together garage rock, classic rock, and more along with lively soulful vocals that tell stories with great detail.
The Reversing the Tower album is packed to the brim with catchy melodies performed with a powerful gusto and a smooth gracefulness and with that comes swelling synths and guitars that bop to create an atmosphere all their own.
Elements of grunge and hard rock show themselves in the form of hard-hitting drums and fuzztone Sabbath riffs that are all riddled with swagger and a passionate performance.
The album changes faces and touches on a variety of rock styles and concepts as it plays on and sure as hell isn't without some killer lead guitar work all in the classic rock vein.
This record is like something that was released in the late 70's and you missed out on it until right now. The aesthetic is really nailed and although it has that feel, it also brings 90's rock in the mix and holds little back in the way of ringing all the bells of real deal rock music.
They are an arena rock band, and the album makes you want to see them live. As a matter of fact, listening to the album in its entirety makes you feel like you just watched them play a full show and it's awesome.
With such a massive release, we wanted to have a chat with the band to find out where this record came from and what may be next for them.
Here's what happened.
BuzzSlayers: Okay so let's start things off with the Reversing the Tower album. This record has a massive rock sound with all kinds of psychedelic tonalities. Where did this album come from?
Rhiannon: Reversing the Tower is an amalgamation of everything we have been as a band so far. There are tracks that we originally wrote as early back as 2018 on there with different members that have been translated to different instruments, which I think is where we get that really eclectic blend.
Kyle: This album came from five people with wildly different musical interests and approaches to writing music but equal enthusiasm for creating something new and unique to us. It's our biggest project to date and only scratches the surface of what's to come.
Jon: Heart, soul, and our instruments.
BuzzSlayers: I'm certainly hearing some different styles mixed in on this one. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Rhiannon: I think for me it varies. Right now, I’ve been listening to a lot of Neil Young and Aerosmith, but Robert Plant and David Bowie are both pretty constant. And I would kill to be able to wail like Ann Wilson.
Kyle: For me it's kind of a running joke that everything I play is super proggy so it's no surprise I'm into bands like Pink Floyd, Yes, Porcupine Tree, and Haken. I think if I had to pick my specific influences for my guitar playing though I would have to say a mix between David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, and Santana.
Jon: Definitely notable bands that influence me to create music would have to be Pink Floyd, Alan Parsons, and Queen. They all share a certain spectacle that attracts my musical boner, and then I guess for bass players: Geddy Lee, Pat Badger, John Paul Jones, and Mikey Way.
Kamryn: As far as drums go. Tré Cool hands down. Throw in some Dave Grohl and if I could selfishly say a hit of Travis? Then you'd get Kamryn Bode...or someone better.
BuzzSlayers: Do you do any live performances?
Rhiannon: We perform pretty frequently around Massachusetts; we have a couple coming up in February that are going to be a ton of fun! We post about our upcoming stuff on social media, so you can follow us there to find the details.
Kyle: Yes, and if you live in the Boston area you should come see us live! I think it is where you truly see the best side of the Fools.
BuzzSlayers: What kind of things inspire you guys to write?
Rhiannon: Personal events, universal concepts, and storytelling. Being able to extrapolate my personal experience into a universal experience creates this really unique sense of connection with the human experience.
Kyle: For me, it's a mix between experiences in my own life and what's going on in the world around me.
Jon: I guess the two main things that inspire me to write are major changes in my life, good or bad, and listening to big, theatrical, climactic music.
Kamryn: Emotions, experience, questions and what we think our answers are.
BuzzSlayers: What's next for you as an artist? Is there anything new in the works even now?
Rhiannon: I don’t think any of us could stop writing if we tried, so yes, there will be new stuff. But no spoilers yet!
Kyle: Well, the answer is always writing more music because it's so integral for all of our lives. As for new stuff, I'll leave you in suspense but be on the lookout.
Jon: Follow us on social media to find out.
Kamryn: There’s always something new isn’t there?
BuzzSlayers: The artwork for the record is really good! Did one of you do that?
Kyle: No, that was my friend Matt who did that for us and we were all super thrilled with how it came out so big thanks to him. If you like his stuff check it out on Instagram @mattpietrydesigns.
BuzzSlayers: Can we expect any music videos coming from you guys this year?
Rhiannon: We have nothing specific planned as of right now, but we’re ambitious and the year is young and long.
Kyle: Hopefully yes
Jon: Follow us on social media to find out.
Kamryn: Ask Raini
BuzzSlayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Rhiannon: I write incessantly -- lyrics, poetry, a literal novel, anything -- and I’m always in the middle of at least two books
Kyle: Well, I'm pretty much always working on music but I'm also an outdoors guy so I like to go camping and hiking when the weather is nice.
Jon: Honestly, I love DnD.
Kamryn: Working on music
BuzzSlayers: This album feels like a big undertaking. What kind of advice would you have for other up and coming bands out there?
Rhiannon: If you believe in something hard enough, you find ways to make it work. And learn to balance staying true to your artistic integrity with staying humble and taking constructive criticism.
Kyle: Just take it one step at a time, writing and recording can be very overwhelming and stressful, and you need to continue to enjoy it for the music to come out right. And past that just don't be afraid to challenge yourself and reach out of your comfort zone.
Jon: Record everything; keep track of any ideas you think might be important. Keep backup equipment.
Kamryn: Doing your passion and striving for your dreams is always a big undertaking. But to create something you’re extremely proud of and are able to share it with whoever may find it? It’s a no brainer, isn’t it?
BuzzSlayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Rhiannon: Thank you for being a part of our rock n roll court. It means the world to us that we have so many people who resonate with our music and message. We love you!
Kyle: Just thank you for tuning in and listening to our music. It does make a big difference for us knowing that people are responding to our music and enjoying it as much as we do!
Jon: Thank you, we love you. We can’t wait to show you what we have coming up next!
Kamryn: What a moment!