Weekly Journal

Post-punk newcomers ROTHCO unveils first single "Fools Gold" out of the upcoming S/T debut EP.

Hul post-punkers ROTHCO announced the signing with Man Demolish Records and the release of their debut EP, "Fools Gold", coming out on June 6th, 2025. To celebrate the announcement ROTHCO unveils the first single under the same title, delivering a track that depicts the raw strength of their sound and blending elements of some of their main influnces which are The Doors, Talking Heads, Joy Division and Fugazi, "with more than a touch of Swans-esque noise rock and agit-punk thrown into the mix."

"Fools Gold" is a dark, electrifying blend of post-punk, alternative, and goth rock. ROTHCO crafts a sound that feels both timeless and intense. delivering a brooding bassline that pulses like a heartbeat in the shadows and sharpness in the guitar mix with moody, reverb-drenched textures, pointing both to the hypnotic tones of Joy Division and the raw energy of punk. At the core of "Fools Gold" is its impassioned vocal performance, part spoken-word, part desperate wail, enriching the reference to its influences creating poetry wrapped in noise, equal parts ominous and hypnotic.

"Fresh from signing with Man Demolish Records, the band recently recorded their debut EP Fools Gold, mixed by Nick “The Muscle” Russell (Strange Pink, Bedsit) at York’s Young Thugs Studios, and mastered by Pete Maher (Jack White, U2).

Commenting on the single, the band said: “‘Fools Gold’ is our statement against the mechanical and algorithmic efficiency of the modern world; our declaration in favour of keeping humanity in the arts and wider life."

Oozing with authenticity and Big Yorkshire Energy, ROTHCO’s sound is an alluring blend of influences that impresses in its effortless blending of elements from abrasive punk, brooding psychedelic, disco and gothic post-punk.

Comprising veterans of the Hull music scene, the band have paid their dues in notable previous outfits Bunkerpop, Black Ravines, Stuka, Big River, Black Delta Movement, and Bedsit, and their dedication to their craft is more than apparent in this latest incarnation.

Together for just over a year, ROTHCO have already made a name for themselves as a must-see live band on the local circuit, and it’s now time for them to take their arresting appeal to a wider audience. The band’s notorious shows are an unpredictable rollercoaster ride that can go from 0 - 100 without warning, luring you in with slow build melodies, brewing with dark tones, and then erupting into a cacophonous crescendo of noise. As the lights dim and the smoke rises, brace for an all-thrills white knuckle ride.

With a strong work ethic, lofty ambitions, and an artistic flare that’s abundantly apparent even in their embryonic stages, ROTHCO are determined to stand out from the pack as they take their show on the road throughout the UK later this year.

The only real question is, are you brave enough to come along for the ride?

Debut EP Fools Gold is released on 6th June 2025 via Man Demolish Records"

Info:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3WvcEI5fYnrtHDawLJ1t3I