Bambara

Bambara, an American post-punk band, was originally formed in 2007 in Athens, Georgia, by twin brothers Reid Bateh (lead vocals, guitar) and Blaze Bateh (drums), alongside William Brookshire (bass). The trio members had been playing together since 2001, initially under the name 23jinx, covering bands like Blink-182 and Red Hot Chili Peppers before developing their unique sound. After officially becoming Bambara, they relocated to Brooklyn and signed with Arrowhawk Records in 2013, releasing their debut album, “Dreamviolence,” which was recorded in their basement apartment. Their early work, marked by machines, loops, and lo-fi software, established their noise rock identity. In 2015, they released the experimental EP “Night Chimes,” which was intended to clear their system of noise-focused experimentation before their next major full-length project.

In 2016, Bambara released “Swarm” after re-recording it following the theft of their original tracks. The album refined their sound, showcasing long reverb and distorted guitars with clearer production, and drawing inspiration from Southern Gothic themes and the writings of Flannery O’Connor. Their 2018 album, “Shadow on Everything,” released through Wharf Cat Records, continued this evolution, embracing a Western Gothic concept album structure and receiving critical acclaim. The band toured extensively, opening for Idles, and later performed at South by Southwest and opened for Daughters. Following a period of remote collaboration during COVID-19 lockdown, they released the “Love on My Mind” EP in 2022. That same year, their song “Miracle” was featured in season six of “Peaky Blinders.” Bambara also opened for Foo Fighters and Nothing in 2021 and embarked on a two-month European tour. Their fifth studio album, “Birthmarks,” was released in 2025 via Bella Union and Wharf Cat Records.