In the sprawling, often bizarre landscape of underground noise-rock, some figures simply refuse to conform. Jennifer Herrema is one such figure—a deathlessly cool presence whose musical journey has been defined by eccentricity and an uncompromising commitment to the weird. She is more than just a musician; she is a living artifact of a sonic history that thrives on delightful chaos.
Herrema’s involvement with the notorious noise-rock duo Royal Trux places her firmly in a lineage of unconventional sound. Her music has never softened, maintaining that signature edge that keeps listeners perpetually off balance and deeply engaged in the realm of the strange. This commitment to the wonderfully weird is something that continues to define her creative output today.
The band’s history includes some high-profile moments, including a reunion effort with fellow Royal Trux member Neil Hagerty back in 2015. This collaboration led to the release of the album White Stuff in 2019, an attempt to recapture that potent, volatile energy.
However, this reunion proved to be as turbulent as the music itself. The collaborative period was marked by notable internal conflict, resulting in what many observers described as a chaotic and ultimately short-lived run for the duo.
The story of Royal Trux has also included legal complications. In 2023, Neil Hagerty faced charges related to attacking Denver police officers. While those charges eventually saw a dismissal, the incident remains part of the complex tapestry surrounding the band’s trajectory and public life.
Despite these dramatic ups and downs, Herrema continues to channel her creative energy into new ventures. She has recently shifted focus to reactivating her long-dormant project, Black Bananas, signaling a fresh direction for her artistic exploration.
The latest entry from this ongoing journey is the announcement of a new album. Black Bananas has unveiled their newest release, Bad Bunch, promising listeners some delightfully bizarre auditory experiences with tracks like “Turkey Burgers.”
Credit: Stereogum
