A new era of punk rock is here, and Yung Cortex is helping push the rebellion forward
Having collaborated and produced for some of the biggest names in the underground has made Yung Cortex a notable figure in recent years, but an underrated aspect of his success has been his ability to experiment and bring new sounds to an ever-evolving scene. His 2019 project, Recovery, had him making a foray into early eighties synth-pop. I’m Going Crazy (But That’s Nothing New), had a more Alternative Rock sound. While many artists feel the need to embrace trends to remain relevant, Cortex has opted for a nearly oppositional approach. This rebellious attitude toward music creation has never been more apparent than on his latest release, “SICKMOTHERFUCKER”.
Opening immediately with a grungey, distorted power chord progression on top of a lively backbeat produced entirely by himself, Cortez wastes little time launching a high-powered verbal onslaught, grabbing listeners by the throat before throwing them back into a thrashing pit.
I’M A SICK MOTHER FUCKER, THROW MY HEAD THROUGH YOUR WALL // YOU COULDN’T UNDERSTAND ME WITH A CONSCIOUS SO SMALL
SITTING BY THE TV, DRINKING LIQUOR GETTING SHITTY // I DO WHAT I WANT, IF YOU MAD COME AND GET ME
The aggressive, anti-establishment, anti-authority lyrics combined with Cortex’s hostile, over the top delivery is reminiscent of the energy iconic punk frontmen like Henry Rollins, Johnny Rotten, and Iggy Pop brought in their heyday. After talking with Cortex, it’s no surprise he’s drawn to the genre. “Punk music is my outlet for not giving a fuck,” he says, “I can say fuck you over and over again and be totally happy with it [laughs].” Nothing backs up this statement better than the lyrics that followed the first stanzas.
I DON’T GIVE A FUCK, I JUST DO WHAT I WANT // IF YOU DON’T FUCK WITH ME THEN YOU CAN FUCK OFF
The frequent usage of the word “Fuck” gives the audience a chance to feel the anger and raw energy Cortex spits violently and unapologetically. That’s what makes this specific brand of punk so entertaining to listeners. The track is timeless.
FUCK YOU, GET OUT OF MY ZONE // FUCK YOU, YOU SHOULD JUST GO HOME
People throughout history have shaped their entire identities around defying the proverbial “Man.” It’s a relatable idea that many have latched on to, and will continue to latch on to for generations to come. The “Man” Cortex is raging against on this song doesn’t appear to be linked to a specific individual, however. In this case, it’s more the overall expectations that others put on him musically and socially.
By the end of the track, it’s apparent that its overall sound and lyrical content will leave critics of the underground aghast and confused. There’s no such thing as successful Soundcloud punk rock, they’ll say. There’s no obvious auto-tune usage…how would it flourish on the platform? These questions are ignorant but fair, and will hopefully lead to realizations about Soundcloud and the underground at-large that bring us all together. Realizations that the inventive, exuberant individuals that make up the Soundcloud artist community bring vibrant sounds and styles that can’t be shoved haphazardly into a box. That Soundcloud isn’t rap, it’s the new punk rock.
Stream “SICKMOTHERFUCKER” below.