Melbourne band ‘The Bennies’ are probably one of the most interesting band’s I have ever listened to.
Their Facebook bio describes them as “Psychedelic Reggae Ska Doom Metal Punk Rock From Hell” and I think that’s a pretty accurate description. If that description doesn’t give you an idea of what their music sounds like think Primus with synth and heaps of weed.
I couldn’t pick one album or EP to review so I just chose five of my favourite Bennies tunes.
First on the list is ‘Knights Forever” this is probably my number one pick of any of their songs. It tells the story of the guys on a night out from start to finish. Regardless of the drug references in the lyrics I think anyone could identify with this song, I can listen to it and relate it to any of my nights out with my mates and it definitely makes me think of the good times.
‘Sensi-mi’ as the you can tell from the title is about the green stuff. This song is entirely focused on the bands love of ganja. They go into detail about the way they smoke their Mary-Jane, keeping it honest with “only a pinch of nicotine’ and their desire to grow their own chronic so they can smoke it for free. Basically this song is of the same theme as ‘Knights Forever’ as it’s about the days they spend with their friends having some good times, and I really like that.
‘Frankston Girls’ is the last song off ‘Rainbows in Space’ that I’ll cover. The song opens on a completely different note to the rest of their work. The main riff of the song is so much heavier than the average Bennies song. I was streaming this album the first time I heard it and when this song came on I honestly did not think this was their song. That being said, I love this song. It shows a completely different musical side to the band. Lyrically the song is not all that different from their others singing about the girls of Frankston and their promiscuous way as the title hints.
‘Let’s Go Get Stoned‘ is a short song and as it says in the name it’s about puffing on flowers. I don’t know where the sample in the intro comes from but it rules. This song however is a bit lyrically weak, to me it seems like they’ve just come up with the words on the spot. This doesn’t detract from the record as a whole as it kind of fits in with ‘The Bennies’ whole image.
‘My Bike’ off the ‘Better off Dread’ recording stood out to me, as it is another really short and sweet song of theirs. At less than two minutes long it is a real easy listen. Musically fast paced and upbeat it is not only easy to listen to but it is heaps of fun. Definitely one of the best sing-a-long tunes I’ve ever heard.
Check back in on Wednesday to see the interview with ‘The Bennies’ and in the meantime go party with some mates and chuck these boys on and get into it!
※ Chauncey Phillips*
*Chauncey Phillips is the psedunoym of all guest reviewers. This weeks was Lachy Ryan.