Hailing from Pennsylvania, Fools Game emerged in 2020 amid the state’s vibrant hardcore scene, quickly staking a claim as a band deeply rooted in old-school hardcore traditions. Even in the midst of pandemic shutdowns, the group regrouped with renewed energy, determined to write, perform, and build momentum in a scene that prizes both intensity and community. Drawing clear inspiration from hardcore forebears like No Warning, Backtrack, and Death Threat, Fools Game blends raw aggression with punchy, groove-driven instrumentation, producing a sound that feels familiar yet distinctly their own.

By the time they released their debut full-length Something For The Pain on Triple B Records in 2025, Fools Game had already earned a reputation as a committed, community-minded act—active on splits, benefit shows, and across the East Coast hardcore circuit. The album itself is a concentrated showcase of their strengths: the drums hit hard and precise, the basslines rumble thick and groovy, and the riffs are executed with taut energy. Vocals maintain a raw, husky edge, giving each track grit and intensity that reflects both the band’s passion and their roots.

From the opening track, “Fools Game,” the album sets a no-frills tone. Deep drums and groovy riffs anchor the track, establishing the band’s street-level hardcore credentials. “The Itch” continues with snapping drums and raw vocal delivery, demonstrating Fools Game at their tightest and most cohesive. Tracks like “Life’s Plan” show the band leaning into thrash-tinged riffs and more expansive structures, creating some of the album’s most dynamic moments. Similarly, “Choices” and “The Cycle” experiment with darker tones and rhythmic variety—the sinister basslines and mid-tempo heaviness in “The Cycle” hint at a band willing to explore nuance without abandoning intensity.

That said, Something For The Pain also exposes areas where the band remains cautious. Breakdown sections, while competent, occasionally feel predictable, and slower or more melodic passages sometimes hint at ambition without fully delivering. The album’s pacing tends toward conventional hardcore structures, favoring consistency over surprise. Even when standout moments appear, like the riff-driven grooves of the title track or the vintage solo and nuanced riffing in “This Time Around,” the record often resolves within expected parameters rather than venturing into new territory. Features, like Outta Pocket’s contribution on “Alone,” blend into the mix instead of standing out, highlighting the band’s tendency to prioritize cohesion over risk.

Yet, these cautious moments don’t diminish the album’s core appeal. Fools Game demonstrates a solid grasp of hardcore fundamentals: driving rhythms, bouncy riffs, thick bass tones, and vocal intensity that carries real presence. Songs like “Final Moments” and the title track exemplify their ability to craft tightly wound grooves and punchy arrangements that hit hard when allowed room to breathe. Tracks like “This Time Around” and “The Cycle” reveal glimpses of broader musicality, suggesting that with more daring choices, Fools Game could expand their sound without losing its core energy.

Overall, Something For The Pain is a strong statement of intent from a band firmly entrenched in the modern Pennsylvania hardcore scene. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it establishes Fools Game as a reliable, disciplined, and passionate force within it. The album balances tight, aggressive performances with moments of dynamic variation, proving that the band has both the technical skill and community ethos to leave a lasting mark. While it occasionally plays it safe, the record’s energy, precision, and groove-driven riffs make it a solid foundation—an entry point that promises even greater potential as Fools Game continues to evolve.

In short, Something For The Pain is a gritty, dependable hardcore debut: tight, aggressive, and full of identity, even if it stops just short of breaking new ground. Fools Game have arrived, and they’re already making themselves felt.