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Album review: Bite Me Bambi branch out on ‘Eat This’

The vibrant collective return with a new blend of sounds, reflecting their growth as a band.

Los Angeles, CA band Bite Me Bambi release their highly anticipated new album, ‘Eat This‘ on 14th February. Branching out from their ska punk roots, this one offers something a little different!

Vocalist and guitarist Tahlena Chikami says; “We are taking off the gloves of what we think other people want to just be who we are, and who we want to be, without trying to fit in a pre-packaged box of musical expectations.”

Bite Me Bambi - photo by Christina De La Torre, Red Def Photography

The band – Tahlena Chikami (vocals, guitar), Mike Berault (keys), Ryan Brown (bass), Edgar Guadiana (sax), and Dan Evans (drums) delivers unapologetically bold anthems infused with infectious energy, spirited ska vibes, and irresistible island grooves. ‘Eat This‘ was produced by GRAMMY® Award-winner Cameron Webb (Sum 41, Pennywise), and delivers dancey and polished pop-punk with a punch.

First track ‘Too Many People‘ kicks the album off in top ska gear! With a jazzy brass middle section followed by a searing guitar solo, Tahlena’s commanding vocals hook you straight in, singing about those annoying folk we’re plagued with..

We’ve all come across the ‘Bad Boyfriend‘ – and ALL of his toxic traits are listed here! A traditional ska number with a positive message “You don’t need that bad boyfriend!”

Bad girlfriends are the subject of ‘Girls Like You‘. We’re still firmly in catchy-as-hell ska territory with this most recent single release – check out the great video the band made too!

More bad behaviour from partners is explored in the heartfelt ‘Gaslighter’s Anthem‘. A superb keyboard solo midway through the song makes this track shine.

Bite Me Bambi’s cover of fellow Californians The Offspring‘s ‘Want You Bad‘ is also included in this album. Do they do the track justice? Yes, they have indeed translated it neatly, without losing its essential rock elements.

“I’m damned if I don’t and damned if I do” sings Tahlena in ‘Do The Damned‘, a rocking bluesy number, which feels all too short coming in at under 2 minutes. One of their best!

Ska punk banger ‘Like That‘ is an up-tempo song with a defiant message going out to those who treat us badly!

Groovy laid-back summer tune ‘Girls Of Summer‘ was our first taste of the album, released in the middle of last year. Hip-hop blends with reggae into a smooth, refreshing cocktail, with a cheery ska garnish to top it off.

This record doesn’t stray massively from Bite Me Bambi’s ska traditions, yet the inclusion of musical elements from across the genres proves that this band have the chops to go further and higher in the music scene. Keyboard player Mike Berault concludes; “It’s been a creative journey, and we feel like we’ve finally hit the sweet spot that reflects Bite Me Bambi for us, our audience, and future fans.”

Out on 14th February, buy your limited-edition vinyl copy of ‘Eat This‘ in pink marble, or hot pink with black splatter, HERE

Catch Bite Me Bambi on tour later this year, keep an eye on their socials and their WEBSITE for dates!

Bite Me Bambi - Eat This

Main Photo Credit: CHRISTINA DE LA TORRE, RED DEF PHOTOGRAPHY

  1. Too Many People           
  2. Bad Boyfriend   
  3. Girls Like You    
  4. Gaslighter’s Anthem      
  5. Want You Bad   
  6. Do The Damned             
  7. Like That           
  8. Girls Of Summer
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