- I have often found myself whinging about the lack of bands to fill the gap left after the heyday of riotgrrrl. Where now my Bikini Kills, L7s and Babes In Toyland? Lately I’ve been able to fulfill a few of those needs and even with locally sourced produce (ethical!), from the likes of The Bear Hunt, Waax or Marville. It never hurts to have a little extra thunder to add to the storm, however and so, cue Bad Bangers.
The Brisbane two-piece recently launched their new EP, Hooray For Everything following on from a rough and ready, self-titled EP / mini-album thingy, back in 2016. Actually it’s funny, listening to the four new slices of Banger, they may represent a bit of an elbow in the band’s sonic journey. Previously I remember singer Alex Campbell leaning extremely hard into Kathleen Hanna style shrieks and yelps, both here and in her other band, Gunk. Again in both cases the sound of unreconstructed, first wave punk has generally been a strong, messy and libidinal element of the sound.
Now though, I mean it hasn’t changed completely, but there’s more of a focus on the grind. Fuzzy guitar thunders at a steady roar out to the three minute mark, rather than shooting maniacally to decibel spikes until songs shake themselves apart at fifty-seven seconds. So, a bit more L7 than Bikini Kill.
Speaking of the past, Bad Bangers also reference the sludgy sound of what was blanket referred to as the ‘garage-punk’ sound of Brisbane, from back in the day, feminist inspired, politically-charged lyrics and all. The newer (and by comparison to their own previous work only) more meditative sound feels like it ties into that especially. I know Gazoonga Attack were an influence on Gunk, it feels like a respectful nod to the past to hear that sort of thing coming across here. As a nostalgic buzz, a timely challenge to rock stereotypes or just loud bloody music to cure what ails you Bad Bangers are doing the job.
- Chris Cobcroft.