Album Release: 2008
Sounds Like: Little Ones, New Pornographers, The Shins
Bam Bam is Mou (guitar), Luxor (percussions), Meme (drums) and Leo (bass). The four of them share the microphone creating one Monterrey´s (Mexico) most interesting and enjoyable proposals. Their blend of indie pop and indie rock with a lo-fi esque texture throughout give Bam Bam a similar taste to that of the Little Ones, The Shins or The New Pornographers.
The band released their debut EP on 2008 under their own independent label Nene Records (other independent bands have signed with them since). Working on a small scale, the band has managed to get recognition amongst local and some international critics (ARTROCKER) which got them invited to the SXSW 08 and 09 editions. More followers immediately fell in love with their dreamy and playful style, and even though many couldn’t understand their witty lyrics, their music served as a perfect translator. Back in Monterrey their local gigs seemed a bit more crowded.
Their first self titled EP is free for download on their label´s webpage (http://www.nenerecords.net/discos/bam-bam-nene-records-2008/). Less than 30 min long, the EP is a bittersweet power pop concentrate which can be easily enjoyed without ever using the pause or next button. The first song on the album, Oro Flash is a strong Breeders style opener with a female leading voice angrily being heard over distorted guitars and sluggish drums. It may throw off a bit from their core identity but in the meantime gets the undivided attention of the listener to be followed by Hi-Q, one of their best and brightest songs. This gives the album a proper introduction and from then on its just Pet Sounds mixed with Cuatro Caminos, a perfect balance between quirky pop and solid inde rock. Por Favor no Vuelvas a Nacer is clear example of the bands bipolar sweet and sour affair with a melodic repetitive riff which evolves into a more psychedelic folksy mood without dropping its innate warmth. The last track Astrobilly which is also the longest (6:00), sounds like from another album. A newer one. It has more of a mature feeling to it composed almost entirely of distorted instrumental parts. It may be where the band is headed, which sounds more than ok.
Bam Bam is just beginning in an international sense. They are talented individuals who like to make their music in a democratic way. Their co admiration for the same role models will help them keep growing as band with a common focus point. They should be wrapping up their new material by now, because like myself, I’m pretty sure there are others patiently waiting for the next step in Bam Bam´s still short but promising road.
The band released their debut EP on 2008 under their own independent label Nene Records (other independent bands have signed with them since). Working on a small scale, the band has managed to get recognition amongst local and some international critics (ARTROCKER) which got them invited to the SXSW 08 and 09 editions. More followers immediately fell in love with their dreamy and playful style, and even though many couldn’t understand their witty lyrics, their music served as a perfect translator. Back in Monterrey their local gigs seemed a bit more crowded.
Their first self titled EP is free for download on their label´s webpage (http://www.nenerecords.net/discos/bam-bam-nene-records-2008/). Less than 30 min long, the EP is a bittersweet power pop concentrate which can be easily enjoyed without ever using the pause or next button. The first song on the album, Oro Flash is a strong Breeders style opener with a female leading voice angrily being heard over distorted guitars and sluggish drums. It may throw off a bit from their core identity but in the meantime gets the undivided attention of the listener to be followed by Hi-Q, one of their best and brightest songs. This gives the album a proper introduction and from then on its just Pet Sounds mixed with Cuatro Caminos, a perfect balance between quirky pop and solid inde rock. Por Favor no Vuelvas a Nacer is clear example of the bands bipolar sweet and sour affair with a melodic repetitive riff which evolves into a more psychedelic folksy mood without dropping its innate warmth. The last track Astrobilly which is also the longest (6:00), sounds like from another album. A newer one. It has more of a mature feeling to it composed almost entirely of distorted instrumental parts. It may be where the band is headed, which sounds more than ok.
Bam Bam is just beginning in an international sense. They are talented individuals who like to make their music in a democratic way. Their co admiration for the same role models will help them keep growing as band with a common focus point. They should be wrapping up their new material by now, because like myself, I’m pretty sure there are others patiently waiting for the next step in Bam Bam´s still short but promising road.
8.5/10
