The Youth Are Still Crewing: On the Line with Pool Scum
Viral With No Filter
A Jolt to the System: Pool Scum's Authentic Hardcore Hits Hard
In an era saturated with polished productions, a new hardcore force is ripping through the east coast, reminding us what it means to be free and unfiltered. That force is Pool Scum, a band that's not just playing hardcore—they're living it. With a sound that's a visceral punch of old-school aggression and a kinetic energy that's impossible to ignore, this band is a necessary jolt to the system. They've captured the internet's attention, not through glossy marketing, but through sheer, unadulterated performance. A recent video of their live show went absolutely viral, capturing the ferocious stage presence of their frontman, Cole Zentmeyer, and the blistering intensity of their sound, proving that authentic, unbridled energy still has the power to captivate.
Their latest single, a cover of the 1996 Madball song "Pride (Times Are Changing)," is an incendiary anthem that showcases their ability to channel classic hardcore fury into a modern context. It’s a move that feels both nostalgic and utterly relevant. While they're still carving out their full discography, the lineup of Cole Zentmeyer (vocals), Cruz Zentmeyer (guitar), Luke Osbeck (bass), and Joey Dobbins (drums) has already laid down the gauntlet, and it's clear they're a band on the brink of something much bigger. This isn't just a group to watch; it's a band to experience. Pool Scum is a testament to the fact that when music is real, it doesn't need a filter—it just needs an audience, and the internet has proven there’s a massive one ready to dive headfirst into the pit. We were stoked to get a few questions answered for our series, On The Line.
Good Call: What's your hometown, and where are you currently based?
Pool Scum: Linwood, NJ.
GC: How long has the band been together?
PS: We've been together for about a year.
GC: Do all of you skate?
PS: Yes!
GC: Who are some of the skaters you looked up to growing up?
PS: Elijah Berle, Jason Lee, Ronnie Kessner, Gilbert Crockett, and Ray Barbee.
GC: What's the current music scene like in New Jersey? Are there any all-ages venues? PS: The music scene in New Jersey and South Jersey is up and coming. There are some all-ages venues like VFWs and the Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City.
GC: What inspired the name Pool Scum?
PS: Our friend's band, Gutter Drunk, has a song called "Pool Scum," and we liked the name because it reminded us of pool skating.
GC: The videos of you guys playing in your basement really resonate with people. They feel authentic and capture the essence of what it's all about. For whatever reason, it's not the type of video you see a lot of these days. Why do you think that is?
PS: I think people like that it's raw and authentic. I don't think you see a lot of videos of bands playing in their basement or garage because it's a little crusty.
GC: HA! Fair.
GC: Who was the first person that got you into music?
PS: Our parents.
“Yea we like a lot of bands that came from Revelation like Gorilla Biscuits. It was cool to find out that some of them were around our age when they started their bands.”
GC: Do you remember the first song or album that had a big impact on you?
PS: Bad Brains' self-titled album, the song "Attitude."
GC: Were you familiar with the Revelation Records scene/bands? It was a lot of young kids that made up that scene. If so, was that an inspiration in any way?
PS: Yeah, we like a lot of bands that came from Revelation, like Gorilla Biscuits. It was cool to find out that some of them were around our age when they started their bands.
GC: How have the reactions been at the live shows? Any plans for west coast dates?
PS: The reactions at the live shows have been great. People seem happy to see us playing. We would love to play the west coast soon.
GC: What would be the perfect tour package for a Pool Scum tour?
PS: We would love to play with E-Town Concrete, Madball, Hatebreed, H2O, and Drain.
GC: What’s been the most surprising thing that's happened since the band started?
PS: Playing Hellfest for our first show with all those legendary bands (Bayway Bulldoze, Folly, Nora).
GC: Have you had a recent "it happened for a reason" moment—something that was challenging at the time but led to an unexpected positive outcome?
PS: Going viral on Instagram, for sure, was very unexpected, but it was a positive.
GC: Are there any non-music artists you'd like to collaborate with on something?
PS: Craig Gardyan and Pete McGlade. They are both tattoo artists.
GC: What are the biggest challenges for bands in 2025?
PS: I would say band-related expenses in general, like merch, equipment, studio time, and touring.
GC: Are there any plans for an album?
PS: Yes, we are recording now.
GC: Have labels been reaching out?
PS: Yes.
GC: How would you define success for the band?
PS: We would define success for the band as being able to make music for a living full time.
GC: Can you share a lyric that sums up your state of mind right now or feels representative of you?
PS: "I feel the pressure of a thousand eyes staring at me," - Drain
All Photos: @jcphotomedia
Follow Pool Scum on IG at @poolscum and on TikTok at @pool-scum
