July 23, 2006

Rebel Knows

My poor sweat glands. Now I finally understand why old people bitch about the heat. We’re having a tropical death wave in L.A. and I can barely leave that little breezy area in front of the floor fan, or even muster a guilty twinge sufficient to make a weekly post.

It’s the kind of heatstroke weather that makes you listen to music like you’re in a fever. Everything is mixed up with god-hate… No patience, but a long attention span that comes from not caring to move. On the plus side, I can’t analyze shit. My brain is so foggy, I can’t even focus my eyes on the keyboard that creates these delightful turns of phrase.

Brooklyn, USA’s The Bamboo Kids are one of those bands (like the Mullens) that are doing absolutely nothing new, yet doing it better than 3/4 of the bands who invented it. Some of their songs sound like early Clash (only better ‘cause I don’t really like the Clash – go ahead, dismiss my taste, you robots), some are in a straight-up power pop style, some are rock ‘n’ roll dance tunes and some are just punk enough to make your upper lip involuntarily curl into a sneer.

A new version of their European-released album from last year is finally out on cult rock label eMPty Records. It’s entitled Feel Like Hell. (The man who produced it, Dean Rispler, is a musical genius, and always has nice hair.) It’s not just that fully half of the tunes are stick-in-your-brain, hum-along-’til-everyone-is sick-of-you, bona fide hits. There are plenty of extra little charming touches, like the vibes “solo” on “I’m Ready.” Then there’s the aforementioned awesome production, with razor-slashing guitar, pounding satisfaction from the drumkit and a totally live-sounding bass punch. Great lyrics that serve the song so well, you don’t even notice them until it’s too late. On the negative side – I can’t really think of anything, unless you count “Eternal War,” an overly long distorto-funk political number that seems influenced by the later Clash or Gang of Four. Oh, and there was an unnecessary cover of “Jet Boy Jet Girl” that’s not on the American version of the record.

I’ve never seen the the Bamboo Kids play live, but by gosh I’m gonna do it before I die! They’ve already released two other albums and some singles, toured Europe and made some cool videos. Wouldn’t it be swell if they all became big stars and got to do things like run over pedestrians or dangle a baby out of the window?

Pour yourself a tall glass of iced tea, lay a cold washcloth on your face and be prepared to play these tunes a few times before they start working their magic. The songs will eventually sneak up on you. (You know you can trust me; I’m a smelly, unshaven guy typing in my underwear.) By the way, my favorite new song is “Palpitations,” which you’re just gonna have to lay down the cash and purchase for yourself. This ain’t a library. Now, scoot!

The Bamboo Kids – “I’m Ready”

The Bamboo Kids – “Low Life”

The Bamboo Kids – “Radio Rebel”

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P.S.: Last week, me and El Chingon staggered around the East Hollywood area putting up the new Toestubber stickers. Email me with your snail address if you want a couple of your own.

Rick at 11:43 pm

Comments (2)

2 CommentsÈ

Rick! Nice review. Thank you for taking your time to write about a severely overlooked band. The band and I will make sure you get the new record as soon as it’s done. I believe it will be out on vinyl – which is always better. I will hopefully see you soon.

Comment by Dean Ñ July 25, 2006 @ 7:15 am
I’ve known and followed these guys for a long, long time, in many different incarnations, and could never figure out why they are not headlining major venues. The A&R people who have passed on them over the years have walked away from a lot of revenue, and the public has missed out on some really incredible music from some amazingly talented guys. These guys rock ~~and~~ roll.

Comment by EDR Ñ January 17, 2007 @ 12:58 pm