Southern California has a long history of funky spa punk bands, including, of course, No Doubt and Save Ferris, and this tradition is masterfully carried on by Bite Me Bambi. Vocalist and guitarist Tahlena Chikami proudly stands next to Gwen Stefani and Monique Powell as another vocal powerhouse.
After releasing lots of critically acclaimed singles since forming in 2019, Bite Me Bambi – completed by Mike Berault (keys), Ryan Brown (bass), Edgar Guadiana (sax), and Dan Evans (drums) – have finally released their debut album, and what a corker it is.
Self-released and produced by GRAMMY® Award-winner Cameron Webb (Sum 41, Pennywise), the eight-song album is full of polished ska pop-punk bangers that make you want to dance and set the world to rights at the same time. The forthright attitude in their songs reminded me of our own The Bodysnatchers and Sonic Boom Six.
Eat This highlights include funky opener ‘Too Many People’ featuring Fishbone’s Dirty Walt and singles such as the infectious ‘Do The Damned’, a rockabilly influenced goodbye to people pleasing.
There is also a very cool cover of The Offspring’s ‘Want You Bad’ – given a new lease of life with Tahlena’s mighty vocals.
The album ends with the more laidback and surfy, yet still very danceable ‘Girls of Summer’. Tahlena shares:
For the first time, I feel like we aren’t editing ourselves. We’re making the music we want to make and sharing the message we want to share.
Guaranteed to get you standing your ground and boogying at the same time!
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