“No matter what – they want to have the best time playing and that makes you have the best time watching them.” – Jeff Rosenstock, Bomb The Music Industry
The Bennies consist of literally the broadest mix of genres I have ever heard in my life, but it seems to work for them – who needs genre categorization anyway! They describe themselves as – get ready for this – “psychedelic party reggae ska doom metal punk rock from hell”. It seems to be channeling a bit of 1994 Anthony Kiedis from Chili Peppers with reggae beats on top, and a little bit of Soundwave worthy screamo underneath. ‘Stoner pleasing tunes’ could be another way to put it, as described by the AU review.
Stirring the genre gene pool with the spoon of ska, The Bennies are here to smoke bongs and party hard – and they’re (almost) out of bongs.
The four piece out of Melbourne started as a cover band in 2009 before releasing their first album, PARTY!PARTY!PARTY! in September 2011. Their most recent album Rainbows in Space, released in November 2013 led to the boys 2014 Knights Forever tour which headed all over the country throughout January, February & March. Heaven forbid these boys have a break, as they’re back out there with another string of East Coast dates throughout September and October, supporting the Dead Kennedys.
The boys are also shortly heading to the US for the first time, after touring a string of Victorian dates with US artist Jeff Rosenstock. Their most recent release, from April this year, is a cover of The Clash song, Bankrobbers.
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One thing is for sure, these guys are touring maniacs, I’m quite surprised they have time to breathe, let alone write music between traveling. Based on any tour reviews my eyes have had the pleasure of reading, every Bennies show that has ever been attended by anyone has been received with ridiculous enthusiasm, and I have yet to find a disappointed fan. I take my hat off to you fine gentlemen, please continue smashing those genre stereotypes.
TOUR DATES with DEAD KENNEDYS
30/8 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
1/9 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
3/9 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane
4/9 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
5/9 – The Hi-Fi, Sydney
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