The Fisticuffs Bluff - Discography (1993-2000)

    The Fisticuffs Bluff was an emo/punk quartet from Santa Cruz, CA. The band was formed in 1993 by guitarist Drew Gilbert (who was also the vocalist for Floodgate), Bassist Dave Louie and Drummer Jay Con-ui. Vocalist Summer Mastous joined in summer of 1994. Their discography consists of a demo tape, a 12" album, a split 7" with Angel Hair and a split 7" with Carbomb. They also appeared on four compilations. 

    The Fisticuffs Bluff had a much more interesting and different sound than virtually any other band at the time. Pioneers of the sound that later became labeled as "emo"; the band broke ground in the punk and hardcore scene with their unconventional instrumentals, along with a mix of spoken word vocals as well as shrill screamed ones. Mastous has such a unique, engaging voice; this mixed with the thoughtfully written and politically driven lyrics creates an immediately enthralling atmosphere to their songs. 

    The only band I could safely compare The Fisticuffs Bluff to is Submission Hold from Vancouver, British Columbia. The bands are similar in their feminist/politically driven content as well as their vocalists similar styles of singing/talking. However, Submission Hold has a bit more of a folky element to its music where The Fisticuffs Bluff opts for a heavier more hardcore influence. 

    In 1995 Paul Costuros and Yoshi Nakamoto replaced Louie and Con-ui after brief breakup in 1994 and the band toured the US extensively with Nuzzle. Before Disbanding, the band compiled their discography for Troubleman Unlimited around 2000.

    The Fisticuffs Bluff remains one of the most interesting and one of my personal favourite bands from this time and genre. They really defined the "emo" sound early on in the 1990s, in particular the spoken vocals which became increasingly popular throughout the decade. They paved the path for emo alongside bands like Native Nod and more well known/respected bands like Indian Summer and Current. 

    This band is not talked about nearly enough and doesn't seem to have gotten the recognition they deserve, so definitely check them out and you won't regret it. 

    As a side note if anyone is lucky enough to have files for their demo tape please send them our way!

Discography

Angel Hair / The Fisticuffs Bluff split 7"

(Better rip than the discography CD version)

ST 12" 2000 (Troubleman Unlimited)

Discography CD 1999 (Troubleman Unlimited)

Angel Hair / The Fisticuffs Bluff split 7" 1994 (Unleaded Records)

Carbomb / The Fisticuffs Bluff split 7" 1995 (Troubleman Unlimited, Youth Strike Chord)

Various - Heartattack #10 1995 (Ebullition)

Various - Inspirit 1995 (Ancestry, Static Records)