Fcukers bring the party home on Ö

The New York dance-music duo have taken the world by surprise with their playfulness and unique approach to being an artist. This energy is everywhere on their debut record, Ö: in the production, in Shanny Wise’s unbothered vocals, and in the effortless confidence of their sound. It’s a trait many artists crave, to be so sure of oneself without caring a single bit. Fcukers are just here to have fun, and when listening to Ö, it’s hard not to join them.

Since their debut single “Mothers” dropped in 2023, Wise and Jackson Walker Lewis (bass, keys, production) haven’t slowed down for a second. Before forming the duo, both were in bands within the New York indie scene – Wise in The Shacks and Walker Lewis in Spud Cannon. After meeting through mutual friends and realising they shared the same tastes musically, Walker Lewis played Wise a raw, 2 a.m. demo that would eventually become “Homie Don’t Shake”. Wise’s cool, untouchable tone defines that track, but it’s their combined experimental intuition that makes Fcukers what they are today.

Following their debut EP, Baggy$$, they’ve gone from playing to 2,000 people in NYC to opening for LCD Soundsystem at the Knockdown Center. Their career highlights now include support slots for HAIM, Confidence Man, Justice, and Disclosure, along with a spot on Harry Styles’ upcoming tour. They even have the Charli XCX seal of approval, having DJ’ed one of her private Coachella afterparties last year. With taste so impeccable that Hedi Slimane personally reached out to have them soundtrack parties for Celine, it seems there is nothing Fcukers can’t do. Their performances have famously turned into mini raves; a personal highlight was catching them at 2 a.m. at Primavera Sound in Barcelona last year. These tracks were made to be heard in a state slightly detached from yourself – a little hazy, and always ready to move. Now, with the release of their debut album, we’re finally hearing how that taste translates into a full-length record.

With the success of Baggy$$, it left the duo briefly dreading the debut everyone was bigging up. Because the EP felt so massive, in their minds this was already some form of debut in itself, making Ö such a harder job to make. However, any fears are immediately silenced by the record itself. While Baggy$$ proved that Fcukers can do club anthems, Ö shows they’re capable of much more. Produced by Kenneth Blume (FKA Kenny Beats) – who’s had a whirlwind of a year working with Geese on Getting Killed, as well Toro Y Moi – the trio recorded Ö during an intense two weeks in the studio. They connected so well that Kenny was able to match their speed, moving past ideas the moment they lingered too long. It’s often the things that come most naturally, the ones with the least thought behind them, that really stick. To round it all out, the record was mixed by multi-Grammy-winner Tom Norris (Lady Gaga, Charli XCX), with additional production from 100 Gecs’ Dylan Brady.

There’s not much to fault about Ö. Every decision is a confident one, allowing you to just sit back and let Fcukers do their thing. The sheer range of genres is so impressive. On the album opener, “Beatback”, the 90s house inspiration is undeniable; the atmosphere remains low-key until the beat drops, and suddenly Fcukers are doing what they do best. The single “if you wanna party come over to my house” is made for the club and infectious in every way. It’s paired perfectly with “Play Me”, a taste of the drum and bass the duo loves. Then there is “Lucky”, a track that is playful to its core. The music video, directed by Wise, captures a sweaty, packed room in the club where everyone is swaying in sync with the song's pulse.

On “TTYGF”, Wise showcases her love for Jamaican music alongside the album's only collaborator, Montreal rapper Skiifall. Between the jungle, reggae, and 90s house influences, it’s obvious Fcukers simply love all forms of dance music. They don’t feel boxed in at all, using the record to explore every sound they were brought up on – one minute you’re hearing downtempo, and the next, a fully-formed club track.

The world is putting its trust in Fcukers to lead them to the dancefloor and let go. Ö is a raw, natural celebration of that trust. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it’s exactly what’s needed heading into summer. Fcukers know what they do best, and they are at the top of their game. Who’s ready to keep up with them?