Plutocracy

Plutocracy sounds like a riot breaking out in a hazy, smoke-filled basement. It is a suffocatingly dense wall of sound where the traditional speed of grindcore is interrupted by heavy, rhythmic grooves that owe as much to gangsta rap as they do to hardcore punk. The guitars are jagged and distorted, while the drumming is a constant barrage of blast beats and sudden, jarring shifts in tempo.

What truly sets them apart is the 'Dankcore' philosophy. Unlike the sterile precision of some grindcore, Plutocracy embraces a murky, bass-heavy production style and a vocal approach featuring multiple members shouting over one another. They frequently weave in cinematic samples and hip-hop-influenced vocal patterns, creating a unique street-level grit that feels more grounded and dangerous than their peers.

Start with 'Dankstahz' to hear the band at their most formative and influential. It captures the raw energy of their early 90s output, showcasing the seamless way they blend extreme political aggression with an almost psychedelic, weed-influenced haze that defined the Redwood City scene.