Band: Cuffed Up
EP: s/t
VÖ: 12.02.2021
Label/Vertrieb: Hassle Records/Membran
Website: https://cuffedupmusic.com
“French Exit” sets the table for the kind of confessional punk that Cuffed Up brings in spades - Line of Best Fit
Drawing influences from bands like Sonic Youth and Pixies, LA's Cuffed Up channel 90s stylings in new track 'French Exit'. Giving off a Wolf Alice 'Don't Delete The Kisses' vibe too, the song explores keeping one's identity. - DIY
"A pair of revved-up songs from LA group Cuffed Up with the snarl of punk and the noisiness of vintage Sonic Youth." - Bandcamp
"With its driving rhythm section, expansive guitar riffs and soaring vocals, the new one from Los Angeles band Cuffed Up is a hulking slice." - NME
Rising LA band Cuffed Up have been turning heads since their debut double A-side ‘Small Town Kid’ and ‘Mother/Father’ was released at the end of 2019. The band amassed waves of critical acclaim as a then unsigned act, including support from the likes of KEXP (Song of The Day/Music That Matters), NME, DIY Magazine and The Line of Best Fit. Today they have announced a physical release for their debut self-titled EP on their new label Hassle Records, out 12th February 2021, and shared a riotous cover of ‘Politicians in my Eyes’, originally by iconic punk band DEATH. Proceeds from the single will be donated to the Detroit Justice Centre, based in DEATH’s hometown of Detroit, MI.
Drawing comparisons to Sonic Youth and The Pixies, as well as modern day post-punk, the band have released the track at a time when tensions are high and more than ever, there is a need for outspoken art.
Cuffed Up was formed through a chance encounter at a party where Sapphire Jewell and Ralph Torrefranca first met, connecting over their love for the UK punk scene. A few months later, they were joined by Joe Liptock and Vic Ordonez and Cuffed Up was born. Their debut self-titled EP will see a 12” vinyl release early next year, which includes single ‘French Exit’. Vocalist Sapphire Jewell’s anxious stream of subconsciousness rolls across the top of a cascade of guitars on the moody alt-indie track, whilst elsewhere on the EP ‘Small Town Kid’ sees Ralph Torrefranca take the lead in an unruly torrent of explosive post-punk. The exciting quartet’s energy is raw and palpable across the EP’s four tracks, and with the rapid momentum they are seeing after its digital release earlier this year, it’s clear that 2021 is theirs for the taking.
The release comes amongst Hassle’s 15th Anniversary celebrations, for which the label is releasing a series of special editions of key albums that have shaped Hassle’s existence – titled 15 X 15. Issued in three batches of five, every release will be fittingly issued on crystal coloured vinyl and released 30th October 2020.
Cuffed Up are:
Sapphire Jewell - Guitar/Vocals
Ralph Torrefranca - Guitar/Vocals
Joe Liptock - Drums
Vic Ordonez - Bass
