It’s all the rage to talk about the damage and ill our families do to our mental stability and psyche, mainly because it’s a pretty serious issue that’s only been taken as seriously as it should in recent generations and the older folks aren’t too keen on hearing it because accountability is too hard for many of them. If you don’t know this feeling then, well… congrats? Bikini Beach take it to a whole new level and Trojan horse that message into a neat, punked-up burner of a track that’s unavoidably precise and loud.
The German power trio know how to rock, it’s been made plenty evident in the lead-up to their upcoming album Cursed, which is out next year, February 7 via La Pochette Surprise Records. There’s been an initial single in “Liar Liar” which has a nice drive and collectedness to it, but this track we’re premiering today is more explosive. Take a look, listen, and… taste(?) of their new song, “Family”.
Immediately, “Family” has differentiated itself from Bikini Beach‘s recent work. Bassist Lotti takes on vocals this time as opposed to guitarist/singer Nils, giving the track a different energy, but it doesn’t stop there. Drums from Flip are more aggressive, really capitalizing on those quick, punky rhythms, and the guitars feel fierce which is a nice contrast to Lotti’s bold, yet still lighter voice timbre mixed with reverb effects. It’s quick, just a tad dirty, and so potent.
The band touch on themes that they themselves sum up very well: ‘The song is about your own family. About destructive structures that have simply been passed on for generations and have become deeply implanted in your own personality. Although you might not even be aware of it. It’s about thoughts that have been drummed into your head by your parents, but don’t reflect your own opinion at all.’ There’s a harnessed frustration in the instrumentation, like the times you visit your family on holiday or vacation and feel yourself holding back as you remember why you may keep them at a distance during the rest of the year, love them as you may. It’s urgent too, perhaps a reference to the greater issue at hand and how it’s best we let out the anger, speak our mind, and call out bullshit when we see and hear it. Even if we choose not to speak up, this song’s a reminder that it’s best to stay resolute in our own ways and break the cycle our families fell into.
This is a great song, one that I’ve looped tons of times already while writing this. It’s easy to do when it’s as concise and punchy as “Family” is. Bikini Beach seem to be moving in a purposeful, diverse direction with their new album, true to their form, so don’t miss out – preorder physically on vinyl or CD through La Pochette Surprise‘s website. Digital options should reveal themselves soon enough so be sure to follow the band on Facebook, Instagram, and Bandcamp. Don’t be afraid to swing on your weird, racist uncle this holiday season!
Band photo by Basil Koller
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