Meg Ivy Brunning
Music journalist and photographer based in Cardiff (for now). Just trying to write about music that moves me in someway. If you do wish to find me though, I’ll usually be tucked away listening to music, talking to an animal on the street like a modern day Snow White or at a gig somewhere!
Brooklyn-by-way-of-Atlanta trio Bambara drop new single, ahead of the release of their new album ‘Birthmarks,’ out on 14th March
‘Letters From Sing Sing‘ is a chilling and captivating taste of Bambara’s fourth album ‘Birthmarks‘. This track, a series of haunting letters from the narrator to his victim’s lover, showcases the bands evolution while retaining their signature sound.
Commenting on the track, Bambara vocalist Reid Bateh says: “This song is a series of letters from the narrator to another character in the album’s story, Elena, whose boyfriend he murdered. He’s telling her about his attempts to persuade the court to reinstate the practice of execution—specifically for him. He believes that if he can persuade them, he will be able to see her one last time, convinced that her intense anger and thirst for vengeance will drive her to attend his execution.”
Listening to this single, I feel as though I shouldn’t be in the middle of sunny Cardi, but instead tucked away in a basement somewhere. It’s a raw, visceral listen that will leave you haunted but exhilarated all the same.
The driving rhythm section, anchored by Blake Bateh’s striking drums, provides a relentless foundation for his twin brother Reid Bateh’s vocals to shine through. His delivery is both menacing and vulnerable, perfectly capturing the desperation and twisted logic of the narrator.
Blending their post-punk roots with inuences like DJ Shadow and Cocteau Twins, ‘Letters From Sing Sing‘ demonstrates a newfound sonic territory for Bambara. The song’s atmosphere is both dense but unsettling, building to a powerful and unsettling final note, leaving you looking over your shoulder and wanting to sleep with the big light on.
‘Birthmarks‘ promises to be dark and potent and this new single serves as a perfect invitation into the world of Bambara. This is a band that will only continue to push boundaries and their upcoming UK & EU tour is one to not miss.
New album ‘Birthmarks’ is out on 14th March via Bella Union.
Watch/Listen to ‘Letters From Sing Sing’ here:
