V.V.M., a fast, chaotic thrashcore outfit from San Francisco, has recently dopped their latest release, Crucial Burger, a manic ten-track EP, unleashed on cassette by 625 Thrashcore, Thrash Tapes, and Goat Power Recreation, channeling the reckless spirit of 80s hardcore icons like Adrenalin OD, Stark Raving Mad, and Wasted Youth.
It’s erratic, pissed-off, and irreverent, offering all the energy and grit that fans of Bay Area hardcore have come to expect.
Behind V.V.M. are members with roots in acts like Venkman, These Bastards, and Conquest for Death, names that carry their own weight in the Bay’s thrash and hardcore scene.
Clay’s vocals rip through this EP, as well as Dave and Alex on back up vocals, backed by a sonic whirlwind of guitars, bass, and drums that demand attention, whether you’re thrashing in the pit or listening in your room.
The Bay Area is a hotbed of underground music, and the band themselves are as much fans of their local scene as they are contributors to it.
Here’s their take on the most exciting bands shaping the Bay Area and beyond right now.
MALANDRO
Alex (Guitar) on Malandro
“Sacramento/SJ PV harking back to West Bay vibes. Excellent live trio of strong messaged harsh vocals and a brutal rhythm section attack. Recently reunited so keep your ears open for new music. Best check it.”
MERKED
Dave (Bass) on Merked
“Merked are one of the sickest and tightest bands in the bay area, but also just a bunch of rad dudes. They can get brutal, but you know they are always having fun. Live, have an earnest energy that’s infectious and exciting. Recorded, they manage to keep putting out one sick record after another. On top of that they are as sincere, honest and supportive as anyone you’d ever meet. (Honorable mention to Sick Burn, Sacramento’s erstwhile greatest band)”
Dave also gives an honorable mention to Sacramento legends Sick Burn, describing them as “Sacramento’s erstwhile greatest band,” a nod to their lasting impact on the region’s music.
MENTOR
Kirk (Drums) on Mentor:
“When it comes to a band from the bay that has my attention, I have to go with Mentor and no, not THE Mentors haha… Joke aside, I have been lucky enough to catch this 5 piece a few times and after each, I was left with different and equally great impressions. This is Hardcore for those who need their standard speed mixed with a healthy dose of creativity, dissonance and a bit of murkiness… Hunt down their demo or “Chapter Black” if you get a chance. (FFO: Raw Nerve/Total Abuse/ Migraine) ”
Clay (Vocals) on The Government
“The Government from San Francisco released “Fight the Tide” in 2023 and it got me excited to be from California again! Ian Burris is the brainchild behind this rad project that pulls from Adolescents and other Southern Californian bands from the 80’s with that beach sound. Seeing them live pumps me up and forces me to throw up a fist while shouting the lyrics. This is the only government that doesn’t suck!”
Grab Crucial Burger on cassette or stream it digitally via V.V.M.’s Bandcamp.
