Scumf**ks - Self/Titled

Remember when Rock n Roll was fun? It was a while ago, in the days before entertainment seemed to be so utterly curated and micromanaged, where everything has to be for a purpose?  Well,  what if there was no purpose other than to have fun?  Some bands try too hard to have fun and just make it look like hard work. Well, this is where Scumf**ks come in and their debut self-titled album. Its not big, its not clever, its not trying to be.  It's fun.

Honestly, with a name like Scumf**ks I was expecting hardcore punk in the vein of Police Bastard, or AntiCimex. it was a pleasant surprise to hear just good old Lemmy inspired rock ‘n roll. Hailing from Greece, forming in 2016 and gigging as four piece from 2018, they sound like a band that enjoy playing live. And if you like live music, this is for you. Harking back to old skool Motorhead, maybe a hint of early Venom, Turbonegro too and 'Under the Blade' era Twisted Sister. This is music for biker bars and Rock venues wherever you are, you can imagine going in and this is playing in the background.

The press notes show how much of the album is dedicated to members of Motorhead. I’m going to let the reader discover the exact details, and while this is a touching tribute, I think Scumf**ks work best when they are standing on their own two feet. Favourite track is ‘Intruder’ as it just works as a classic song exactly as you would expect it to - It got me singing along, problem to the annoyance of my neighbours. By the time ‘Drinking alone aint Bad’ comes on, you realise there is a melancholy behind these tracks too. That one surprised me by getting me right in the feelz... well played Scumf**ks well played…

And then its back into the Rock ‘n' Roll, with an utterly storming cover of 'Increased Chances' originally a Redneck Rampage style track by Chitlins, Whiskey & Skirt. Further on the album, huge points go to them for the best song name I’ve heard in years with '49% Scum 51% F**k' Now That needs to be on a t-shirt. My only real critique on the album would be that the mix has perhaps focused too much on the bass, leaving some blinding drumming and rhythm guitar a bit too far back in the mix. The drum skills really shine on final track 'Ride to be Alive' which sounds a lot like Rancid when Matt Freeman takes over.  And is a good track to end on. From the first track to the last the Scumf**ks album makes me wanna put on my boots, battle jacket and go headbang by myself... now that’s what I call fun.

Review by Jason Pearson

Listen! to the Track 'Scumf**ks' Below...