From the heart of America, the post-industrial city of Wichita, Kansas, has spawned an invigorating post-punk beast known as ‘Totally F**ked But Unfortunately Not Dead Yet,’ otherwise succinctly dubbed TFBUNDY.
The ensemble, featuring the relentless percussion of Matt Targos, the dense bassline foundation from Jason Holman, the edgy guitar riffs by Jacob Prickett and Brendan Whitney, and the powerful vocal intensity and unexpected saxophone diversions from Tristan Stateler, creates a potent sonic brew. A true post-punk democracy in action, TFBUNDY’s sound is a product of diverse influences, each band member bringing a unique ingredient to the table.
“Baby Blues,” off the band’s self-titled EP, is built on vigorous guitar arrangements, driving rhythmic patterns, and the compelling force of Stateler’s voice, bringing to mind Frank Black, The Violent Femmes, and Meat Puppets. We also hear influence from Bambara, Pile, Shame, Stuck, The Fall, and Preoccupations.
The band’s explosive energy and disarrayed elegance have drawn terms like “chaotic” and “explosive” as descriptors. Their live performances are a lesson in captivating tumult, featuring crescendoing rhythms and unpredictable twists that embody unpredictability and raw power.
This is demonstrated in the performance video for Baby Blues, directed by Brent Martin and Dalton Green, which showcases the band’s potent fury and deft musicianship.
Watch the video below:
Unleashing their debut to the world, TFBUNDY’s self-titled EP, broke out on the scene on the 3rd of February, 2023. A true testament to their DIY ethos, the EP was captured on tape with the band members themselves at the helm of recording, then meticulously mastered by Luke Tweedy of Flat Black Studios.
“Recording on tape is like having a sixth member of the band, you never know what’s going to happen day to day,” reflects Jacob Prickett. “We didn’t have to touch a computer until the end of the process, so it just made sense to us to record analogue for the EP and the live session.”
Taking control of the recording process was a deliberate and significant choice for TFBUNDY, playing a crucial role in honing their distinctive sound. Moreover, the hands-on process fostered a stronger bond amongst the band members, shaping and solidifying their collective identity. This collaborative experience, underpinned by shared creativity and dedication, helped them truly evolve into a cohesive band, ready to redefine the contemporary post-punk landscape.
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