Bristol four piece Cuffs are notorious on a nationwide scale. Whilst their touring schedule in 2022 was restricted to the South West region, there is an undeniable element of mystique surrounding the band right across the country. This is a band that are powerful, provocative, and right in the faces of anyone who looks to deny their right to kick down the door of every venue within their reach. Individually they are a group of skilled musicians, but together they create an unstoppable force that stands for something greater. If you have yet to wrap your ears around their sound, then allow us to introduce them to you here and now.
Following a string of hometown dates in Autumn 2022, the band took to their social media channels to announce their debut full length record To Hell & Back which is scheduled for release independently in February of this year. For any band, a full length record is an enormous earmark – but as anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting the group can tell you, there are few that grind as hard at their craft as Cuffs.
We caught up with vocalist Brodie Morgans to hear all about the record, the creative process and plans to take their new material out on the road in the new year.
“I think that came to blows as much as it could have before one of us would have thrown hands. It’s all love though.”
The Cuffs debut album is something people have been waiting for for a long time, what’s the journey been like getting here?
“Making the album was tricky. We’ve written so many songs that we were confident would be on there, then binned them because they were replaced by a better tune. It took us 3 years to get this sounding how we wanted it. The hardest part about releasing something like a debut album, is trying to get people to care, and for a long time no one did. But here we are, ready to release, and we can’t wait to show it to everyone.”
To Hell & Back is a bold title for a record, what inspired the choice?
“To Hell and Back is a journey through what we’ve felt and experienced over the past years. My head has been in the worst place It’s ever been over the past year, and the product of that is this album. The lyrics reflect it. I’ve cried my eyes out writing some of the words to this album. When you look around, and see yourself, and people you care about suffering, and you witness horrific injustices taking place, an anger seeps in. It’s not a burst, where you make stupid violent decisions, but it’s a calm anger, where something clicks, and you know staying complicit isn’t an option. Last year, when I was suffering the most, I got the words “To Hell and Back” tattooed at the top of my chest, not in any way thinking it would be anything more than a tattoo, but whencoming up with names for this album, we all agreed it felt right.”
You guys have been together for nearly four years now, has there ever been a time where you thought the band might fold or you might not make it to where you are now?
“Off the top of my head, I can only think of one, and it was basically an argument that started with good intention. The lyrics to Watch Me Die are quite on the nose, and some of the bands were worried about the things I was saying. I think they were worried about me, but we sorted it. I think that came to blows as much as it could have before one of us would have thrown hands. It’s all love though.”
What has been the collective highlight of your careers as Cuffs to date?
“Our shows are the highlight, and I think they always will be. I don’t think a single one has ever been half-assed. They’ve always been sweaty, and I think they always will be. Meeting people is sick too. People in the punk community are so friendly, and if someone at our show isn’t friendly (both to us or the crowd), they ain’t welcome. Angry music enjoyed by lovely people. That’s how it is and always will be. If we had to pick one show, it would have to be Burn it Down 2022, to be part of that stacked lineup was special.”
“Releasing a body of work is always terrifying, but I hope someone gets something out of it, even if it’s used as a frisbee.”
You guys closed out the years live calendar with a show at Exeter Cavern, how was that for you?
“Exeter was so fun, and the support bands were so good (shout out to Seneca and Apathy). Growler is a great promotor, and Exeter Cavern means a lot to all of us. The crowd were moving, pits on the go, all-inclusive and all fun.”
Speaking of live shows, are there any specific dates you can tell us about coming through in 2023?
“It’s been a long time coming, but this February we’re going on a UK tour. Playing with some killer bands too. Our dates will be on all our socials so take a look. We’re coming to a city near you.”
Where do you see Cuffs in ten years from now? Do you guys have an endgame in mind?
“Ideally, 10 years from now everything we hate and fight against will be diminished, and we can make some lovey-dovey shit, but with the way things are, I can’t see it happening. We’ll keep going till the wheels fall off.”
If you could choose any Bristol venue for a Cuffs hometown headline, where would we be seeing you billed?
“That’s such a good question. For an intimate, sweaty as fuck, crowd up in your face show, I’d probably say The Louisiana or The Gryphon. Both of those are relatively tight packed. But for something a bit bigger, it’s got to be Thekla or The Fleece. We’ve managed to play both, and they’re quite intimidating rooms because of their size, but they’re such legendary venues in Bristol.”
What does the new record mean to all of you individually?
“It’s everything we represent, feel, and despise. It’s written and played with complete anger but performed with more love than you can fathom. We’re proud of it, and we’re excited for you to hear it. Releasing a body of work is always terrifying, but I hope someone gets something out of it, even if it’s used as a frisbee.”
You started your band to send a message, what’s one message you think people need to hear right now?
“There are a few messages we’d like the world to hear (and some people need to hear) but take this as you will. Greed and willful blindness will always hurt the most vulnerable. Being complicit against injustice, will always hurt the most vulnerable. Show love to those who deserve it, educate those who need it, and don’t let anyone tell you who you are.”