Hussle Club’s “Children of the Underground” [Album Review]

On Children of the Underground, New York City’s own Hussle Club invites you on a dark ride through a 6-track EP that combines elements of club music, punk and dance. Sole member Prince Terrence (aka Terry Campbell) arrived in New York about 7 years ago after making his mark on the Kentucky music scene. With his stint as touring drummer for Major Lazer and Santigold in the past, Campbell buckled down and started Hussle Club.

Prince Terrence put together the entire Children of the Underground EP on his own, playing every instrument. The result is something that moves you to groove, propelled by dubby bass coupled with a spooky synth over tightly laid drumbeats. Campbell’s voice is reminiscent of Marilyn Manson, but not as ferociously edgy. On “Shadows In the Dark” his deep vocals echo and drip over a mesmerizing lead guitar. The title track, “Children of The Underground” banks on its throwback 1980’s drum and bass intro, with a catchy chorus backed by screaming guitars. “Quaranteenagers,” with its driving bass line and thumping drums (and an LES shoutout: “turn right on Ludlow, left on Rivington”), is the best cut on the album.

Despite its smooth points, Hussle Club’s sound still channels Prince Terrence’s punk roots, a holdover from his old Kentucky days. The rough fuzz of guitar and punchy beats are a reflection of dude’s grit (nay, Hussle), which he’s put to good use surviving the city grind. If you haven’t heard Lower East Side’s Hussle Club yet, get on it.

Stream the album here on Scion A/V.

Also, check out the video for “Children of The Underground” where Hussle Club get down retro-punk style with some added trippy psychedelia…