Spiritual Cramp: RUDE [Album Review]

Spiritual Cramp
RUDE
Blue Grape Music [2025]

“Groove, grit, and pure attitude — RUDE hits like a party and a protest at once.”

Album Overview: Formed in San Francisco, Spiritual Cramp built their reputation on a chaotic blend of punk, post-punk, and street-smart swagger that mirrors the grit and humor of their Bay Area roots. Led by vocalist Michael Bingham and bassist Michael Fenton, the band’s early EPs and debut album thrived on the tension between working-class frustration and unfiltered joy. Over time, their unrelenting live shows and knack for mixing aggression with groove turned them into one of California’s most exciting underground acts.

RUDE marks Spiritual Cramp’s return with a bolder creative vision and a true team dynamic. Produced by John Congleton and mixed by Carlos de la Garza, the sophomore record channels the band’s restless energy and sharp wit into something wider and more colorful—without losing its punch. The album bounces between anthemic sing-alongs, wry humor, and moments of self-reflection. It’s a love letter to identity, friendship, and the chaos of modern life, all wrapped in the noisy beauty of San Francisco. The result is a record that’s as catchy as it is cathartic—punk energy refined just enough to shine.

Musical Style: On RUDE, Spiritual Cramp fuse punk grit with new wave sheen, ska rhythm, and flashes of dub and hip-hop. The guitars nod to early Clash records, while melodic choruses carry a dance-punk pulse that recalls the 2000s. Trumpets, synths, and acoustic moments sneak into the mix, adding texture without dulling the edge. Every track moves with purpose, led by a tight rhythm section that keeps the music raw, vibrant, and ready for the dance floor or the dive bar.

Evolution of Sound: While their early material leaned on raw, stripped-down punk minimalism, RUDE opens the doors wide. Every band member has a creative hand in the songwriting, giving the record a collective spark. The production is tighter, the layers richer, but the spontaneity still bursts through. It’s a record that proves growth doesn’t mean losing your roots—just learning to make them groove harder.

Artists with Similar Fire: Spiritual Cramp channel the rhythmic urgency of The Clash and The Ruts, the bounce of The Specials, and the slick, modern hooks of The Killers and Bloc Party. There’s swagger here that nods to The Hives and a tongue-in-cheek punch that lines up with newer provocateurs like Viagra Boys and Shame. They sit comfortably in that sweet spot where punk’s snarl meets pop’s irresistible pull.

Pivotal Tracks: “You’ve Got My Number,” a surprising duet with Sharon Van Etten, stretches the band’s emotional reach—balancing vulnerability and bite. “Go Back Home” feels like a hometown anthem, a gritty postcard to San Francisco. “Young Offenders” bottles the joy of reckless youth, while “I Hate The Way I Look” and “At My Funeral” twist self-deprecation into humor and heart. “New Religion” strips things back for a moment of quiet reflection, and closer “People Don’t Change” ends the record searching but hopeful—a fitting sign-off for an album that’s all about honesty and motion.

Lyrical Strength: Michael Bingham writes like someone who’s seen it all and still finds something to laugh about. His lyrics dance between satire and sincerity, finding meaning in everyday moments—late-night talks, street corners, and the reflection in the mirror you don’t always want to face. Beneath the snark and swagger lies something deeply human: a need to be seen, understood, and unafraid to tell the truth, even when it stings.

Final Groove: RUDE is proof that Spiritual Cramp can evolve without losing their bite. It’s bigger, brighter, and more self-assured than anything they’ve done before, but still powered by the same scrappy pulse that put them on the map. The record feels like a snapshot of a band embracing the mess and turning it into movement. With this kind of confidence and chemistry, it’s hard not to wonder—where will they go next?!

SPIRITUAL CRAMP REVIEW HISTORY
Spiritual Cramp (2023)

SPIRITUAL CRAMP LINKS
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