The Cutthroat Brothers – ‘Kill 4 U’

The Cutthroat Brothers have been called “The Sweeney Todds Of Rock” because of their razor-sharp riffs and dangerously catchy songs. The pair, based in Tacoma, Washington, are both veterans of a regional rock scene, with Donny Paycheck formerly playing drums for Zeke (a hardcore band who made their name playing with Pearl Jam, Iron Maiden, and Mudhoney among others).

Both are actually barbers by trade, and as part of their act, don blood-spattered white smocks.



“The classic imagery of what a barber is correlates so well to the music,” says Donny. “We keep it straightforward and as sharp as possible.”

Jason adds, “It’s a little creepy and weird, but it’s a lot of fun, and ties into what we do every day.”

To make their debut album, the duo called on a Seattle legend – Jack Endino, the producer and engineer who was behind the boards for Nirvana’s Bleach. They’ve captured a sound that is at once demonic and enticing, and has that distinctive Pacific Northwest vibe.

‘Kill 4 U’, the first track from their album, makes Jason Cutthroat’s intentions clear: he’s out for love and for blood, and not necessarily in that order. Laid over a lean guitar riff and a heavy backbeat, Jason purrs a lethally seductive come-on. The track nods to the greats of Seattle’s rock past before slashing out in its own venomous direction.

The clip showcases Tacoma, with Donny’s own Supernova Barbershop as much a star of the video as the musicians are. We’re left in no doubt as to the shop’s authenticity: the checkerboard floors, sprays, brushes, leather chairs and wide mirrors. The difference however is that these demon barbers, with their blood spatters and rubber gloves, are doing more than just cutting hair…

You can check out The Cutthroat Brothers online on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as their official website.

The Cutthroat Brothers - Kill 4 U (Official Video)

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com