Photo by Cá koi lang thang (@cakoilangthang)

CÚT LỘN has been changing and growing over the years. They have a new sound that is full of energy and poetry. The band's music is getting darker, and their album ideas are centered around the image of an egg. This reflects how they have changed and grown as a band.

Quang Sọt (far right) and Sergey are in the band. Photo by Martin Kong.

Quang Sọt and Sergey started the band in 2018. Quang Sọt plays the guitar, and Sergey plays the drums. Sergey started playing drums because he couldn't find a good drummer for the band.

The band added Nguyên Lê on bass. He was working as a sound engineer but joined the band after responding to an ad. In 2021, they moved to Saigon and added Vui Qá as the lead singer in 2024. He had no experience but impressed the band with his performance.

Quang Sọt in action. Photo by @saxichuongduong.

CÚT LỘN used to wear Pikachu costumes and have a silly image. But as they grew up, they changed their style and music to be more serious and emotional.

The band felt they outgrew the Pikachu costume and wanted to explore new creative ideas.

The Pikachu era. Photo courtesy of CÚT LỘN.

As the band matures, their music gets darker. Their album titles, like 'Bắc Thảo' and 'Dzữa', reflect this change. 'Dzữa' is about a world in crisis, and the music reflects this.

The album 'Dzữa' by CÚT LỘN.

Making 'Dzữa' was hard for the band. They worked on it in layers, adding new ideas and emotions to each song. They wanted the music to be complex and not boring.

Once the music was done, Vui Qá wrote the lyrics. The music video for 'Cà Phê Sáng' was made from concert footage.

Cà Phê Sáng (Official VHS Video). Video via CÚT LỘN's YouTube.

The band wants to be known internationally. They have toured Asia and plan to tour Europe. They feel connected to the international community and share anti-establishment values.

Vui Qá says that the community spirit is the same everywhere, and every tour feels like meeting friends.

The band sells merchandise to offset tour costs. They create unique items like hot sauce with their image.

The band's hot sauce Cayvailon. Image courtesy of CÚT LỘN.

Touring has given the band a new perspective on the Saigon punk scene. They see more bands and a growing audience, which is part of a broader trend of expanding subcultures.

But the scene faces challenges like economic difficulties and venue closures. The band laments the lack of quality venues and sound systems.

CÚT LỘN at a live gig. Photo by Martin Kong.

The band is preparing for a European tour. They are grateful for the opportunity and excited to connect with new audiences.

Quang Sọt will drive the tour van and perform. He wants to share their music, not just show off their tour.

CÚT LỘN's European tour poster.

The band wants to be true to themselves and have fun on stage. They don't try to act tough or perfect; they just want to deliver a great performance.

The band's approach is unique and liberating. They embrace being themselves, and this is what makes them punk in the current era.