The True Story of Bananagun marks the group’s first full foray into writing and recording as a complete five-piece band, having originally germinated in the bedroom ideas and demos of guitarist, vocalist and flautist Nick van Bakel. The multi-instrumentalist grew up on skate videos, absorbing the hip-hop beats that sound-tracked them-taking on touchstones like Self Core label founder Mr. Dibbs and other early 90’s turntablists.
Van Bakel was joined first by cousin Jimi Gregg on drums – the pair’s shared love of the Jungle Book apparently made him a natural fit – and the rest of the group are friends first and foremost, put together as a band because of a shared emphasis on keeping things fun. The band’s seemingly innocuous name has an underlying message of connectivity that matches the tone of the music.
“It’s like non-violent combat! Or the guy who does a stick up, but it’s justa banana, not a gun, and he tells the authorities not to take themselves too seriously”.
The True Story of Bananagun is out June 26 via Anti Fade. Tune in to PBS all this week for your chance to win a copy of the album (members only). Not a member? Join up today!
Cover image by Jamie Wdziekonski.
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Rrose x Daniel Avery - 'Sensation [Phantasy, 2016]'
Jon Hassell - 'Fearless'
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R.M.F.C. - 'Reader'
Julianna Barwick - 'Inspirit'
Tom Lyngcoln - 'Tony'
Mente Orgánica - 'Caracas'
Double Vanity - 'Escalator'
Garry Havrillay - 'Kemani (Duet across 80 years with Kemani Memduh Bey)'
