Cuffed Up - “Terminal"

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…Death Cab For Cutie, Shame, Frightened Rabbit

Cuffed Up continued to show their anthemic ambitions with sophomore EP Asymmetry in 2021, linking melancholy rock with post-punk intensity across four fully-formed tracks. Balancing catchy and sad, Cuffed Up’s music is equally dense and accessible, taking indie rock sounds and bursting those seams, handled complex patterns in the well-worn hands of the Los Angeles based band. Adding rhythmic intensity and arpeggiated licks to the melancholy backbone of Cuffed Up’s songwriting creates a heady and fulfilling sound tightly controlled from this exhilarating, emerging band. (Kevin McStravick) 

2020 Review: If it’s possible to sound both heavy and soft at the same time, Cuffed Up has figured it out across their trio of debut singles. Latest “French Exit” melds alt rock foundations, a hip hop infused verse, and a shoegaze chorus, establishing a unique lane for the dreamily dense newcomers. While this may sound like some fusion stew, Cuffed Up sound cohesive right from the jump, washing sounds together with balance and drive. “Small Town Kid” is more punk rock, highlighting the LA-based quartet’s dual guy/girl vocals and showing the band moving out of a dream-rock space to full on grunge pop/rock.