New York hardcore band Cash Bribe are keeping things moving on their own terms. Since their last appearance on No Echo in 2024, the band dropped their Demonomics EP last summer and supported it with a string of East Coast shows. While they’re not a heavy touring band, guitarist Kirk McGirk says the impact of those shows still hits. “We don’t tour a lot, but when we make it out of New York, it feels great to see people who enjoy what we do,” he explains.
The Demonomics release itself came together in a way that’s very much in line with the band’s personality—organic, a little chaotic, and rooted in community. The catalyst was an invitation to play at a close friend’s wedding. “Our friends Zoey and Charlotte are huge supporters of Cash Bribe, and we love them,” McGirk says. “It’s Zoey that’s on the cover.” The band ended up recording a cover of Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” for the occasion, along with a reworked version of “March of the Creeps.” “We do it so much faster and meaner now,” he adds. “It just made sense to us.”
Around the same time, Cash Bribe linked up with Quiet Panic and their imprint Futureless Records, adding a new layer of support without sacrificing their DIY ethos. “Futureless is kind of a more collaborative thing than a traditional indie label,” McGirk explains. “It’s still us doing everything ourselves, but the guys at QP help us out with their resources. It’s more of a gentleman’s agreement than anything.” The connection traces back to Quiet Panic’s roots with Bridge Nine Records, something the band sees as a natural fit.
Looking ahead, Cash Bribe are focused on writing their next release and plan to return to Landmine Studios later this year. “We’ve got four or five songs now,” McGirk says. “They lean more into the fuck-off punk that we love, but I think the songs pick up from our last EP and do everything better.” In the meantime, the band has a handful of upcoming shows, including dates in Brooklyn and Connecticut, while continuing to build toward their next proper release.
As always, Cash Bribe are keeping things tight and limited—literally. The latest cassette run clocks in at just 50 copies. “If you want one, get at us,” McGirk says.
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The limited edition cassette version of "White Wedding" is up for sale now via Futureless/Quiet Panic.
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