Album Review: Foul by Saq – A Raw, Unfiltered Slice of 1969 Rock Chaos
Let’s cut to the chase. Foul, the debut album by Saq, is not your typical late ‘60s rock record. Released under Hook N Mouth Records in 1969, this US-born gem blends Pop/Rock with gritty Thrash and Heavy Metal influences, making it feel like a rebellious cousin to the era's more polished acts. With credits split between Mike Decamp (bass, artwork), Jeff Hollen (drums), Billy Bryant (guitar, backing vocals), and Mike Rivera (lead vocals), Foul delivers an unapologetically raw sound that still resonates today.
The album kicks off strong with “Real,” a track that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. It’s got this driving rhythm courtesy of Decamp’s basslines and Hollen’s relentless drumming, while Rivera’s vocals scream authenticity—like he’s lived every word he’s singing. The song feels chaotic but controlled, a balance that keeps you hooked. Then there’s “Fuq The Trend,” which is exactly what it sounds like: a middle finger to conformity wrapped in heavy riffs and pounding percussion. Its energy is infectious, and I swear, once you hear Bryant’s guitar solo, you won’t forget it anytime soon. These two tracks alone make Foul worth revisiting.
One thing that stands out about Foul is its willingness to experiment. Tracks like “Age of Apocalypse” and “Generation Loss” dive deep into themes of societal collapse and disillusionment, which were pretty forward-thinking for 1969. Sure, some songs repeat on the tracklist (Forsaken, Need For Enemies), but honestly? It kinda works here—it feels less like laziness and more like they’re hammering their point home.
Now, don’t expect perfection. This album has its rough edges, from occasional vocal strain to production quirks that might raise eyebrows. But honestly, those imperfections give Foul its charm. You can tell these guys weren’t chasing radio play—they were just doing their thing, loud and proud.
Here’s the kicker: listening to Foul in 2023 feels oddly refreshing. In a world obsessed with overproduced beats and cookie-cutter pop, Saq reminds us why music should be messy, passionate, and real. And hey, if nothing else, at least we now know someone named Mike Decamp could both shred on bass AND design killer album art. How many musicians can say that?
Final thought? If you dig old-school rock with teeth, grab yourself a copy of Foul. Just don’t blame me if “Fuq The Trend” gets stuck in your head for days.
