Review
DFMK
DFMK

DFMK formed 10 years ago but didn’t release their first full-length until now. The band has been active –- with five EPs to their name and many, many live shows and tours –- but no long-players. At 15 tracks, DFMK shows they took this release seriously.

I’m happy to say that their self-titled debut delivers. When a band has such an established reputation, it can be hard to live up to the live show on wax but this album is fiery, potent and punchy fun. It’s essentially punk ‘n’ roll with hardcore elements that seep in for extra kick. The guitars ooze with the sexy, sweaty swagger of blues-derived rock while Mr. Cap’s vocals alternate between rhythmic sing-sway and more aggressive mic-to-the-crowd-type shoutouts. The drumming is really where that extra power comes into play, sharing the spotlight equally with guitar throughout the record. Think of scuzzy Stooges protopunk, Rocket From the Crypt vibrancy, and powerful 1980s hardcore drumming. Forceful guitar and drums in just the right places and lots of hip-shaking grooves.

Based in Tijuana, there is similarity to the coastal vibes of San Diego bands but with a dusty dive bar tone that removes some of the polish while keeping the swagger. All 15 tracks here are proud and loud, urgent and energetic. The music itself is straight-forward by design, but the emotions within each song are layered and more complex. The lyrics, entirely in Spanish, cover (according to the press release) existentialism, nihilism, drug abuse, and living a hard knock life. Simply put, this shit is real. The production nicely delivers a working-class mood that’s simultaneously angry, confident and ready to let loose.

Sometimes when a band takes this long to release a full-length, that product ends up feeling like a compilation. DFMK’s first full-length is no such thing, maintaining energy and positive vibes through all 15 songs. From the shout-along moments of “Momentos Inesperados” to the shake-your-hips groove of “Donde Apunta la Aguja,” DFMK delivers.