Cowboy, I jerk in the future Sun
A quart of blood and this is how it runs
I quite enjoy it, running it into the ground
The RV park takes another quart of blood
Amidst the sun-scorched streets of Austin’s music hub, Exotic Fruitica surfaced with their gritty fusion of punk and post-punk. Their rough and rowdy sound developed as caustic yet captivating, ensnaring the senses with its unique blend of grit and energy. Born from the synergistic union of guitarist and vocalist Jon French, and drummer Aaron Gilligan, their enduring friendship bore creative fruit culminating in this vibrant new project, rounded out as a trio with the addition of Charlie Cruz on lead guitar.
The band recently released “Cowboy,” their second music video, directed by Cameron Kisel, from their forthcoming album Cruel, via Mr Pink Records.
Cowboy‘s lyrics depict a journey or tour filled with contrasts, possibly reflecting envy and desire -an ode to the open road and the four wheeled chariot that beckons. There’s a sense of longing for the luxury and comfort that someone else experiences, contrasted with a more rugged and visceral reality. Overall, the lyrics convey a complex mixture of emotions and images, blending luxury with raw, earthy elements. The video depicts the band on a rural van journey in their van, lovingly named Cowboy, aggressively careening through desolate highways, meeting up with danger, intrigue, blown radiators, and hot dog feasts.
Watch the video below:
Exotica Fruitica’s history dates back to their first indie collaboration in 2009, but a hiatus of nearly thirteen years separated that initial effort from this renewed exploration of sound. Gilligan’s journey to the band is a story of persistence and dedication. A proud New Zealander, he attempted the green card lottery twelve times before finally securing his passage to the US.
Exotic Fruitica’s debut studio album, “Cruel,” is set to be released on Mr. Pink Records on August 11th, 2023. Though the band hails from Austin, Texas, the sound of “Cruel” is more akin to the DIY clubs of New York, Berlin, Toronto, London, or Stockholm. With a compressed fuzz, noise, and driving drum beats, the album draws heavily from a revival of early ’90s post-hardcore, echoing bands like Metz, Viagra Boys, and Crows.
This Texas punk outfit has crafted an explosive sound filled with grit and attitude. The unhinged vocal style, absurd lyrics, and violent drums are propelled by pitch-bending guitars that stab and pulse against the relentless kick drum. “Cruel” is a bold statement, not meant for those seeking comfort or predictability.
Watch the video for the title track “Cruel” below:
The band will open for punk legends OFF! on Friday, September 8th, 2023, at The 13th Floor in Austin, Texas.
Exotica Fruitica’s full-length debut album, Cruel is out now.
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Artwork by Dethscum
Photography by Raphael Umscheid
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