Photo by Stef Lach

 

Fuck-Off Machete are the kind of band you want all to yourself. The best-kept secret in your record collection.
The band that are so painfully cool, you’d almost be disappointed if they made it really big. Bands like Alfie, Fugazi and until very recently, Arctic Monkeys.
 

They are the dirtiest, most shameful secret you could ever possibly keep. They are a band of such gorgeous genius that it would be a fucking crime if they were ever on Top of the Pops. And God help you if your mom ever stumbled onto your nasty little secret.
But you know what, we’re going to let you in on it. Because what would be really criminal is if this band never made it into your hearts on the count of musical snobbery.
So count yourself very lucky indeed, you’re about to be introduced to your new favourite band – don’t forget to tell your friends.
 

Formed in Glasgow in 2003, Fuck-Off Machete are drummer Caleb, guitarist Paul and the proverbial cherry on top, bass player and vocalist, Nashii.
Within three months of forming, the band had begun recording their debut album, My First Machete, before they had even played a gig.
But on the eve of the release of their second album, Fuck-Off Machete admit they have got it the right way round this time. With a string of triumphant gigs under their belt, not to mention that outstanding debut album, the internationally flavoured three-piece (Nashii is from Malaysia) are ready for your undivided attention.
 

“This record is the sound of a band that has developed, matured and turned into something that was always the intention from the start.” So says Nashii, Fuck-Off Machete’s multi-talented front woman.
“I think we’ve kind of found ourselves a bit now, we know where we’re headed. The new material has a real energy and we’re really pleased with it.”
Despite being on stage as support to Architecture in Helsinki just minutes before this interview, the band are more than happy to chat and, even though she looks a little less glamorous than before she went on stage (“sweaty machete” as she puts it herself), you can’t help but be captivated by Nashii’s slightly accented voice and remarkable enthusiasm.                                             

This isn’t a band that has blind belief in themselves, they don’t just think they’re a great band – they know it.
“The new material isn’t massively different but we’re more comfortable with it, it’s more developed. The way we play our instruments is just the same, we just play together a bit better,” says Nashii.
“The album is more than halfway done and we’ll be recording a session for the BBC soon, it’s all go for us.”
                               

Paul admits he just wants Fuck-Off Machete to be   themselves. He says: “The minute we write anything that sounds contrived, that’ll be the end of it. Our songs have dark bits in them, metal bits and rock bits. But one thing we’ve always got is an energy and that’s what makes Fuck-Off Machete.”
 

With a UK tour booked for March and a deal to release their record on an Australian label, Fuck-Off Machete will charm their way into your life in 2006.

 

www.fomachete.com