The Tracy Lords are a welcome addition to Hong Kong’s hardcore scene

Named after a 1980s porn star, The Tracy Lords are a new addition to the Hong Kong hardcore scene. Their eight-song demo, which they produced and released themselves late last year, has recently been remixed and re-released on cassette (look it up, kids!) with two additional tracks, and it’s a project of passion and purpose. High school buddies Owen Fung (former Kestrels and Kites drummer) and guitarist/vocalist Arthur Urquiola (who also plays in local band Dude Law) began their musical partnership as SECTS, but when bassist Dave Kerr moved from London to Hong Kong to join the duo, sparks flew, and the band smashed out their intense demo after only two jams. Now, having opened for Japanese grindcore legends Sete Star Sept and inspired by hardcore punk and garage rock of the 1980s and 90s, the self-described “hell’s house band” have had their car-crash sound locked down. Their short blasts of fury bristle with a lo-fi charm, but with tight musicianship that belies their short time together, The Tracy Lords sound like they have plenty of lead in their pencil.