Beng Beng Cocktail - Fucking Rudeboy

1.    Who are they?

Beng Beng Cocktail are an acoustic ska-punk band from France. They were formed in 2007 and Fucking Rudeboy (Jan’17) is the lead single from their third album Like A Brother (March’17).

2. What kind of tune are they rocking?

An acoustic ska-punk song with Eminem-speed delivery in the first verse, gang vocals in the chorus, and all underpinned by some insanely badass bass. Fucking Rudeboy is a perfect rabble-rouser for shouting along to at a concert.

3. Who do Beng Beng Cocktail sound like? 

The Stupid Stupid Henchmen and Violent Femmes. 

4. What have the press said about Fucking Rudeboy? 

“A fucking barn-burner” – YouTube Comments.

“Insanely badass bass” – The Best Indie Songs.

“Gets the blood pumping” – YouTube Comments.       

5. Which bands have influenced Beng Beng Cocktail?

Their main influences are Rancid, NOFX, The Toasters, Leftover Crack and Big D and the Kids Table.


6. Why should I listen to Fucking Rudeboy?

Because you love ska and a football chant. Because bass is your thing.


7. What are Beng Beng Cocktails best songs? 

Give Why Hip Hop Doesn't Rhyme With Hope a listen. 


8. Any more words? 

No, go get your skank on.  

“Where have you been, where are you going?”

Built To Spill are an indie rock band from Boise, Idaho. They have been together since 1992 and recorded eight albums. They sound similar to Pavement, Spoon and Modest Mouse. Built To Spill are influenced by Dinosaur Jr, Neil Young and Camper Van Beethoven. Never Be The Same was the second single from their eight album Untethered Moon (2015). Never Be The Same is a mellow, rock'n'roll song with a sticky bass note riff.

“I know you got something,

Everybody wants to know”

Ladybug and The Wolf - Have A Bite On Me

1.    Who are these mutts?

Ladybug and The Wolf are a deep folk rock band from Saint Etienne, France. They started playing together in 2013. Have A Bite On Me (Oct’16) is the second single from their debut album Mammatus (Oct’16).

2. What's Have A Bite On Me about then? 

Have A Bite On Me is a languid folk-pop song with sweet harmonies and a choral chorus.


3. Who do Ladybug and The Wolf sound like?

Great Lake Swimmers, The Avett Brothers and The Strumbellas.


4. What's the good word from the press? 

“A refreshing voice and sound” – YouTube Comments. 

“Awesome I just love it!” – YouTube Comments.

“A new work of art” – YouTube Comments.

5. Who put the sincere in Ladybug and The Wolf's music?

Ladybug and The Wolf were influenced by The Do and The Lumineers. 


6. Why should I give Have A Bite On Me a listen?

Have A Bite On Me is like missing a love from afar. Sweet sorrow. Earthy folk-pop without the cheesy insincerity that comes with the likes of The Strumbella's and the Avett Brothers. 


7. Do Ladybug and The Wolf have any more good songs?

Don't Pretend has a snappy shuffle. A good 'un.


8. Any more words mon amie?

Diddly squat. 

“Well I fell from my tree”

Christine and The Queens is Heloise Letissier from Nantes, France. She has been making electronic pop music since 2008 and has recorded one album and a string of E.P.’s. Her album Christine and The Queens (2014) was a top ten album around the world, reached number 2 on the U.K album charts, and was equally loved by critics rating a 85% on Metacritic. Spin Magazine described the album as, “brilliant in it’s quiet confidence, it’s willingness to intrigue rather than stun.” The most popular English single from the album wasTilted (2015) a sparse synth-pop tune with an emotive centre and a word to say about sexual identity. 

“I’m actually good,

Can’t help it if we’re tilted”

Nada Surf - Cold To See Clear

1.   Who are these trippers?

Nada Surf are an indie rock band from New York City who have been tearing it up since 1992. The band have eight long players to choose from and Cold To See Clear (Feb’16) slips of the eighth, You Know Who You Are (March’16).

2.   What kind of gem have we got here?

A unique one. Simon and Garfunkel in the opening blows but a four to the floor chorus takes glorious flight. The vocals are everywhere from crooning to high register meanders to heart felt imploring. Cold To See Clear is radio friendly indie rock with a slathering of eclectic sauce.

3. Who do Nada Surf sound like?

The Wallflowers or Matchbox Twenty. Fuck me sideways but NPR went straight to Weezer! But realising they were flying into the face of ridicule they threw in a quick curve ball with The Flaming Lips addition.

4. What do the cut and paste merchants have to say about Cold To See Clear?

“Infectious drum beat wrapping warmth and and harmonies together.”- Live and Die In Music.

“Driving but warmly produced, with instantly memorable melodies.” - Brooklyn Vegan.

5. Who gave Nada Surf their groove?

Nada Surf's influences are Lou Reed, Frank Black, The Flaming Lips, old school punk and Leonard Cohen.

6. Why should I give Cold To See Clear a shufty?

There is an aching beauty to the chorus of Cold To See Clear a driving beat and the vocals are outstanding. Cold To See Clear is Nada Surf's best song since Popular.

7. Do Nada Surf have any more rollicking numbers?

Yeah. Popular was a massive hit in the 90's and no wonder. Sharp tune.

8. Any more wonder words dear scribe?

Nada Surf have said Cold To Be Clear is about, “moments of clarity and light and hope and positivity that sprout up to our surprise. The feeling of awakening you can get in winter when you open the window to see what the air feels like outside, that awakening gives me instant peace at some animal level.”

Nada Surf played an Iggy Pop tribute with Joey Ramone where they smashed out some of Iggy and The Ramones most popular tunes. Sounds like a blast.

 

“Whatever I do, the radio took me,

the radio, radio made me,

What can I do but dream?”

 

Slippery seconds is popping. Husbands are a popular French synth pop band singing in English. I don't know jack shit about them but the tune You, Me, Cellphones (2013) is enough for anyone to love them. Beck mixed with MGMT if you must. The gang chorus is as sticky as a rapist in church. Get amongst it.