Fuck Money - Self Titled

I saw Fuck Money support Justin Pearson's Deaf Club at one of Preston's top venues, The Ferret, who as far as gigs are concerned have put on some pretty darn cool ones over the years, memories of seeing Dälek, Gnod and Sly and the Family Drone particularly coming to mind.

Thus when JP reached out to me with the opportunity to cover the band's S/T debut full-length for Clean Sheets I positively leapt at the chance. The record, as with the preceding S/T EP is being released on Pearson's own Three One G label, whose catalogue is well worth exploring; Stress Positions, Nonexistent Night, Venamoris being particular highlights.

'Chapter 5' is a punishing opener which may remind listeners of bands such as Pigs x 7, sludgy, grinding riffs and bellowed Vocals marks what is one hell of number. Not at all what I was expecting but which I embrace nonetheless. 'Strain' features a riff that's recalls the Guitar effect at the start of AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' mixed in with the angular Post-Hardcore of Clean Sheets favourites Unstable Shapes. A thrilling track packed full of musical diversity. 'Dead Man' is primarily Noise-Rock albeit the kind espoused by Californians Hella and Rhode Islanders Lightning Bolt as opposed to anything Am Rep would have produced in the late 80s and 1990s. In other words there is a chaotic Math-Rocky edge compared to the more bludgeoning blunt force trauma of messers Helmet, Unsane etc. Despite being more inclined towards the latter I still found the track tremendously exhilarating and excitingly ambitious.

I know absolutely nothing about Reddit but I do know that 'Addicted To Reddit' ups the tempo significantly, embracing more Hardcore Punk influences this time round which is guaranteed to get the pit moving the next time these guys tour. Thankfully the sound here is so damn offbeat that it will hopefully discourage the more boneheaded, 'kung-fu' inspired style of moshing that seems to be sadly prevalent these days. 'Belts', the longest track on the album, is fascinating and what with the slower tempo you're treated to a slice of absolutely fantastic Mission of Burma Post-Punk; injected with the gloom of the Wipers' classic third album Over the Edge. Resultantly an absolute personal favourite. 'Trebuchet' is interesting, maybe its just me (probably) but there is definitely a Rock 'n' Roll Motörhead spirit present, imagine Overkill and Ace of Spades but for a hipper Punk audience than bikers and greasy Metalheads. Fans of Glowing Brain or any of the bands to be found on Motorpunk Records will latch right onto this one, spectacular.

'Extreme Good' has all the hallmarks of Garage-Punks O'Sees, what with the frantic energy and attitude, let's just hope that Fuck Money don't go down a similar route and start amending their name every five minutes. 'Madonna' is a mid-tempo belter ala much missed Bellwater outfit Karp and as with that band, there's grooves aplenty here affording for a stonerish, Grungy Melvins vibe. Hell yeah! Just when you thought things were getting a little too comfortable, 'On The Nose' brings you crashing back down to earth in a reassuringly uncompromising fashion. The musicianship is extraordinary, like King Crimson if they got into Hardcore Punk/Noise-Rock. THIS is what I wanted to hear when I eventually got round to listening to The Mars Volta. A triumphant conclusion.

Calling yourself Fuck Money is hardly going to garner the band major airplay, Rolling Stone coverage or huge record sales but then that was never the point. Instead it's gotten them another fan in the shape of me; for all that's worth.