The Fucking Cops

Fast-paced, melodically charged pop punk bandits the Fucking Cops aren't as abrasive sounding as their name implies, but pack a mean punch regardless. Melodically. the Cleveland, OH five-piece fuse elements of grungier street punk to this infectious sophomore EP, giving them a style reminiscent of early Jawbreaker and Hot Water Music. Upon first listen, there is a sense of rhythmic redundancy, as TFC choose to play it safe, rarely venturing out of the simple structure most seen in early '90s punk. This quickly gives way to driving hooks and a consistent, stressed pace that pushes each song forward. Jon Rybicki's poignant voice is perfectly accompanied by driving guitar and a smattering of breakdowns ("Sweating or Freezing"). "Gloria" is featured twice, in slightly different versions, both instant punk anthems, with lyrics like, "I have nothing anymore/I'm getting smashed outside of the liquor store." The six-song EP has an aesthetic appeal as well, containing a 14 page full-colour booklet with illustrations by the band members. The Fucking Cops are a band that have put their blood, sweat and tears into fucking us up with some of their truth.