Brighton alt-rock trio Bones Ate Arfa come out swinging with their high-octane new EP, Just Bananas—a genre-defying blast of psychedelic-street-punk-desert-rock that cements the rising band’s place among the UK’s most exciting new acts.
The EP kicks off with “Mud Lover,” a sludgy, chugging opener that sets the tone: gritty, guttural, and irresistibly hooky. Tracks like “Chew So Easy” and “Don’t Leave Me Now” lean further into the band’s punk spirit, blending angst with catchy vocal lines and breakneck rhythm changes.
“Mary Molotov” might just be the standout—a riot-grrrl-meets-Queens-of-the-Stone-Age firestarter that explodes with distortion and spitfire lyrics. Meanwhile, the title track “Just Bananas” lives up to its name with chaotic charm, skittish riffs, and a chorus that begs for sweaty mosh pits. Closing with “Vineyard,” the band showcases a touch more restraint, layering atmosphere without sacrificing intensity—a sign of their growing range.
What sets Bones Ate Arfa apart is not just their ability to thrash, but their tightness as a unit. The chemistry between the three is palpable; the drums punch with surgical precision, the bass snarls, and the guitar work is as filthy as it is fun. Arfa’s vocal delivery—urgent, raw, and melodic—ties it all together, offering both venom and vulnerability in equal measure.
Final verdict: Loud, wild, and unashamedly original, Just Bananas is a fearless alt-rock statement from a band that refuses to sit still—or be boxed in. Bones Ate Arfa are here, and they’re only getting louder.
