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Is it pronounced “fuckers”? “Fuh-cuckers”? “Fuh-kookers”? It’s an eye-grabbing name, and it generated just enough curiosity in me about this New York duo to put them at the top of the priority list. Having not heard anything from them prior to hearing the album, I thought it could go a couple of different ways. Either I was in for some obscure, sinewy noise-punk/no-wave extravaganza, or I was staring down the barrel of some wavy indie rock and pop that breezed by, leaving little of an impression but sounding pleasant all the same. The actual reality is that it was neither of these options. Instead, what I was met with from the word “go” was the rubbery house production and Wet Leg-level deadpan vocals of “Beatback”. Okay, colour me intrigued yet again. The invasive refrain burrows in, latches on to my auditory cortex, and holds on for dear life.
The central formula for this record runs similarly, in that a lot of these tracks centre themselves around precise hook-work. Occasionally, the hook is the only actual vocal section present, and then the success of the song hinges on the strength of the music surrounding it. The grooves canvassing these beats make for some of the most tantalising dance moments of the year. The distorted bass growls colouring the pulse of “L.U.C.K.Y” are visceral enough to almost become the main attraction. The syncopated synth bassline of “if you wanna party…” cuts through the infinity of this song’s refrain, grounding it inside a sweaty rave cave. The cavernous house shuffle of “I Like It Like That” resembles something that might’ve popped up on the ‘Brat’ tracklist, but dials back the more coked-up inclinations for something smoother; more ethereal.
The variety peppered into the album’s final moments saves the project from being totally one-dimensional. For as thrilling as this record’s best bits are, it isn’t exactly stretching itself beyond its immediate sensibilities. However, ‘TTYGF’ tries its hand at some slinky dub. It nails the vibe immaculately, horns and everything, but does unfortunately struggle to conjure up a solid enough chorus melody to actually stick the landing. The closer is about as far from the style of the rest of the tracklist, opting for moody, string-kissed balladry instead. It feels like a closer, and perhaps that’s enough. It hints at another mode for the band, and that’s exciting enough on its own. Fcukers make their presence known on their debut, shouting from the rooftop of the Empire State about their sleek brand of house, garage and electro-pop ear candy. It’s not hard to pause as you walk by, ears perked up, curiosity piqued. For as empty-headed as the songwriting comes off here, the X-factor in the music is undeniably there. Their framework only needs a couple of screws tightened, and then the party can really begin.
Dan Will Review 