Much like the sinister government conspiracies that fuel their lyrics, F. Emasculata started as a shadowy, one-off experiment—only to mutate into something far more significant. Formed in Cornwall in 2011 by members of Rash Decision and Swansong, the project quickly grew in scope, incorporating numerous EPs, singles, and tours, including a two-week tour of the west coast of the USA in 2023. Labeling this X-Files-themed hardcore punk band as a novelty side project would be a gross oversimplification that distracts from the true artistry at play here.
'Bright Lights, Drilled Teeth' is a blistering, high-velocity assault that blends hardcore, punk, grind, and powerviolence - fueled, as always, by F. Emasculata’s deep-cut X-Files references. Kicking off with the ferocious single 'Ice', the album pulls no punches, delivering mind-altering riffs and relentless sludge that has us screaming "I want to believe." The influence of War on Women, Punch, and G.L.O.S.S. is unmistakable, but F. Emasculata carve their own path - weaponizing extraterrestrial paranoia into pure sonic fury.
The album’s title is lifted directly from the lyrics of its third track, 'Duane Barry'. A blistering interpretation of the X-Files season two episode of the same name, the track ratchets tension much like the hostage situation at its core—building with an unsettling, almost claustrophobic intensity before erupting into a full-throttle assault, driven by Nat Gyll Murray’s feral vocal performance. For those who may not be familiar with their style, F. Emasculata excels at transforming specific episodes of The X-Files into intense, fully realized punk narratives. They use the show's subject matter as a foundation rather than relying on it as a crutch. Their lyrics not only reference the series; they immerse listeners in its themes, distilling the show's paranoia, dread, and chaos into something as raw and immediate as the music itself. It’s this dedication to craft that elevates them beyond mere homage.
'Bright Lights, Drilled Teeth' could have easily been a throwaway gimmick—another novelty punk record leaning too hard on its theme - but F. Emasculata prove they are much more than just an X-Files reference machine. Beneath the eerie samples and cryptic lyricism lies a hardcore band with genuine fire in their veins, delivering a raw, unrelenting assault that stands tall among the best of the genre. Their genuine talent is evident in their ability to weave paranoia and government conspiracies into ferocious, pit-ready anthems, showing a deep understanding of their subject matter and the sonic aggression needed to do it justice.
If there’s a weakness here, it’s that some moments blur together in the album’s sheer intensity - there’s little room to breathe. But that’s a minor gripe in an album that thrives on its relentless energy. Whether or not you care about The X-Files, this record demands attention from fans of hardcore, punk, and powerviolence. F. Emasculata aren’t just riding on 90's sci-fi nostalgia - they’re carving out a space of their own in the underground, and 'Bright Lights, Drilled Teeth' is proof they’re a force to be reckoned with. The truth isn’t just out there - it’s tearing through your speakers at breakneck speed.
F. Emasculata will be supporting the February 8th release with a launch show at Penryn's The Fish Factory art space, featuring support from Bobby Funk, Swansong, and Old Foes. The band will then embark on a four-date European tour with ThoughtSieze.
'Bright Lights, Drilled Teeth' will be released on February 8th 2025.
Words: Andrew Nile
Photos: F. Emasculata
Kommentare