Tsar

Tsar sounds like a technicolor explosion in a guitar shop. They take the sugar-crush melodies of 1960s bubblegum pop and run them through a stack of overdriven Marshall amps, resulting in a sound that is simultaneously massive and incredibly catchy. It is music that wears its influences on its sleeve, from the strutting swagger of T. Rex to the precision-engineered hooks of Cheap Trick.

What truly sets them apart is their commitment to the bit. While many of their contemporaries in the early 2000s were leaning into earnestness or irony, Tsar leaned into spectacle. Their songs are meticulously crafted with dense vocal harmonies and layers of shimmering guitars, creating a 'wall of sound' that feels both vintage and strangely futuristic. There is a sense of theatrical mischief in every track, a feeling that the band is having more fun than anyone else in the room.

Start with their self-titled debut for the quintessential experience. Tracks like 'Calling All Destroyers' serve as the perfect entry point, showcasing their ability to blend aggressive rock energy with a chorus that will stay stuck in your head for weeks. It is the ultimate soundtrack for anyone who thinks rock and roll should be loud, colorful, and a little bit ridiculous.