---

I maintain that culture needs to get horny again.

Regrettably, we live in a period of simultaneous de-sexualization and hyper-sexualization, in which the body has been taken captive by those in power. Artistic freedom is actively being censored, de-listed, and increasingly scrutinized. Especially if it is queer.

And yes, I am starting this review with politics. But I can’t see any other way to talk about this playfully transgressive EP. Pent Up Pup’s, “FURFAG,” is an audacious and unashamed expression of desire. Capturing the unique beauty of kink culture and queer sexuality in the furry fandom. It hits as a melodic shock to an increasingly conservative digital sphere. Frankly, I’m gagged, (UwU).

Punching in hot with the off-kilter harmonies of, “CUDDLY,” Pent Up Pup’s insanely charismatic vocals wind their way around a percussive groove. The chorus’ asymmetric pausing gives this song the addictive umph to worm its way into your body. An untraditional pop love song in the best ways, “CUDDLY” enacts the deep affection of puppy play. Translating a want for ownership, protection, and identity from a relationship.

Cuddly puppy

I know you love me

So could you collar me up?

I’m on my fours now

So could you give me a tug?

I’m on my knees now

With the puppy dog paws

The personality continues to shine in the acoustic track “PASS THAT POOLTOY.” Its clean production is aided by rubber sound effects, a surprisingly pleasing addition well mixed into the track. It’s a song that captures the pressurized tenderness of intimate contact, heightened by the literalness of Pool Toy kink. If you needed clarity on the talent we’re talking about, just listen to the breathless delivery of the second verse.

“KNOT SONG,” brings the energy up with its playful sound effects and fizzy synths. It’s the track that may be having the most fun with itself, featuring camera clicks to aid the chorus, “I felt your knot and my body took a screenshot,” (Also the pop after, “You lean away and you pop out,” is hilarious. Love it!). The only detraction is a “Die Young” reference that sounds like a vocal template accidentally left in, undercutting the originality in this song. 

“FURFAG,” amps up to a 10 in the iconic track “PITS,” a party anthem begging you to get sweaty on the dance floor. Pent Up Pup’s pleading voice cracks bring the energy to this ode to odor. The blunt lyricism brings a frisky sincerity, underscored perfectly by the hard bitcrushed synths. All building towards an ecstatic chant for the chorus, with its panting asides, “Sniff it with my maw.” The kinetic delivery makes this track a great ride. (Can you tell I got a little clocked by this one ^. .^)

You take your jocks off

They better be musky

I might melt if I catch ur scent

The album shifts back down in the strangely heady, “CHANGED.” It’s hypnotic, warped production slithers through your eardrums. A track that feels as encasing as the possessive slime that transforms this song into its explosive ending.

Ending with the titular track, “FURFAG,” this EP about fantasy captures the mutual intimacy of living out one’s desires. Honestly portraying the surreality and humor of sexuality without ever shaming it. It serves as an orgiastic capstone to all the themes, lust, and love in this brief and animated EP. Rendered in the gorgeous cover art by Nule, in which every track is personified.

Maw Paws Tail Fur Sheath Sit Beg Good Pup!

“FURFAG” is an anthem for the fandom. There is none of the ironic distance that plagues too much of furry music. Instead, this is a sincere celebration of the unique, strange, and totally queer ecstasy of being a part of this community. Engrossing both in its ability to capture the desires behind the hyper-specific kinks that thrive in this scene and in its translation of those sensations auditorily into your body. A euphoric horny pop exhibition all wrapped up tight, (Just don’t tug too hard!)

Highlights: PITS, CUDDLY, PAWMAT (scrapped) on bandcamp is also a nice bonus – though I praise cutting tracks for the benefit of the album.

---