HAVE YOU SEEN CUSSING? by Asbury Park, NJ noise-pop duo, CUSSING is out now on streaming platforms. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, the band relocated to New Jersey and changed their name from SEPARATR to CUSSING. CUSSING’s sound blends indie-sleaze hooks, raw punk attitude, and crushed lo-fi drum machine beats with heavy basslines. Don’t get it twisted, they may be a duo but their sound rivals larger bands and it’s evidenced on their EP.
The first track, ‘LUNGS’ is a high-octane must listen. The foundation of the song relies on a driving, bit-crushed drum machine pattern accompanied by heavy, low-end bass synth distortion thanks to Joe Douglas. Stephanie Melvin‘s vocal line plays off the literal title- delivering fast, punchy, and desperate vocal cadences that mirror the frantic feelings of running out of breath. Douglas also feeds layered fuzz and pitch shifting affects through his elaborate pedalboard setup to create wall of sound guitar hooks that cut right through that rhythm section. Overall, while rooted in noise-rock, this track retains a sharp, pop-leaning hook and danceable tempo bridging the gap between gritty garage rock and a dance floor track.
‘RATS’ is another standout track, and my personal favorite. This song showcases CUSSING’s distinct electro-punk grit and biting lyrical commentary. ‘RATS’ pairs aggressive, bit crushed drum programming with a thick, overdriven synth-bass groove. The dance-punk pace drives the song forward from the very first measure. Melvin’s biting, raw, and downright snarky vocal delivery turns this song into a sonic middle finger. It acts as a classic punk-protest track, taking a visceral daily annoyance- whether literal street rats or figurative backstabbers- and turning it into an anthem for blowing off steam.
I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss the third track on the EP, ‘BITTER GIRL.’ The centerpiece to HAVE YOU SEEN CUSSING? perfectly encapsulates the band’s signature blend of electro-punk aggression and infectious sleaze-pop hooks. ‘BITTER GIRL’ stands out as one of their most melodic and accessible tracks. It leans on a razor-sharp, chantable hook that will definitely make it a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you catch them on tape or in a sweat-soaked venue, CUSSING proves that two people can make more noise than even a full, four-piece band. HAVE YOU SEEN CUSSING? isn’t just an EP, it’s a high decibel, unapologetic declaration that electro-punk is alive, thriving, and louder than ever.
Upcoming Live Dates:
15 August – Asbury Park, NJ at The Asbury Hotel
26 September- Asbury Park, NJ at Wild Air Beerworks
Follow Cussing at bandcamp | instagram | tiktok | youtube