Photo credit: Liam Maxwell

George Ward
George Ward

Freelance journalist based in Bristol. Can be found at the Grain Barge, Rough Trade or in his tiny basement bedroom writing for CLUNK.

Utrecht indie-pop band Banji announce their debut album, ‘Freshcakes‘, out on October 14th, as well as playful new single Cornflakes’

Banji are a 4-piece from The Netherlands, known for their fun production and catchy pop tunes filled with samples and glitchy noises. 

They have performed at after-show sets for Vampire Weekend, supported Balthazar and had successful tours of their own, along with releasing a string of singles over the last few years. 

Lead singer Morris Brandt describes the observational lyrics as “an output for frustration” and “kind of like therapy”. By the sound of the singles this is hardly surprising. 

Banji’s sound could be compared to Glass Animals or other indie-pop names in that vein, but their confidence and genre jumping makes them more than stand out from the crowd. 

Their newest single, ‘Cornflakes’ is their catchiest yet. The song focuses on the little addictions of life and the chorus, “I am your cornflakes, you are my caffeine” is equally silly and sweet. Brandt’s vocals jump from laid-back indie pop in the choruses to equally laid back rapping in the verses. 

The production is fantastic and makes all the intricate sounds weave together satisfyingly. There is a lot going on, with pitched vocals, squelchy basslines, and samples scattered throughout, but the track never feels over-crowded. 

Listen to singleCornflakes’ here:

Debut album ‘Freshcakes’ will be released on October 14th via [PIAS]

Catch Banji at the following:

Hedon, Zwolle, NL – 24th April

Sound City, Liverpool, UK – 30th April

The Great Escape, Brighton, UK – 14th May

Gashouder (w/ De Staat), Amsterdam, NL – 15th May

Laylow, London, UK – 19th May

33 Oldham Street, Manchester, UK – 20th May

Oporto, Leeds, UK – 23rd May

1999, Paris, FR – 25th May

Sonic Wave, Birmingham, UK – 4th June