MusicFreaks

Tag: Jennifer Herrema

  • Black Bananas detail first album in 12 years, share “Turkey Burgers”

    After a period of creative gestation, the enigmatic group Black Bananas is ready to share a journey that feels as expansive as the universe itself. Led by Jennifer Herrema of Royal Trux, the trio has officially announced their first album in twelve years, titled Bad Bunch, set for release on September 4th via Fire Records.

    This isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s the result of deep immersion and unique experimentation. The entire project was handled by Herrema alongside new collaborators Brian McKinley and Kurt Midness, who were deeply involved in producing and mixing every note. They describe the process as navigating periods of disconnected time, allowing the musical elements to expand and combine in unexpected ways.

    “Every time we opened the sessions was different and like the universe expanding so did the tracks and the density of the combinations,” Herrema reflects. “We went about constructing over periods of disconnected time—that was the work. We knew it was done when, after shaping it for so long, there was suddenly this completed fully formed record sitting in front of us……it’s totally done when the magic is real.”

    The album features a diverse soundscape, beginning with the standout single, “Turkey Burgers,” a jazzy psychedelic creation that showcases the band’s evolving sonic palette. Herrema notes that this track originated from their earlier studio days but reflects how they have adapted and developed their methods for making music in the modern era.

    The sound of Bad Bunch is a testament to evolution, blending nostalgic influences with fresh, contemporary textures. The ten tracks on the album offer a rich tapestry of moods, ranging from the groovy “Nutrageous & Jam” and the laid-back “All The Way” to the more abstract explorations of “Dust Of Ages” and “Cold Bussin.”

    Other highlights from the release include songs like “Eddie’s Album,” the playful “Tiny Chewbacca,” and the catchy “Good Pass,” all contributing to a cohesive and wonderfully weird experience for listeners. Bad Bunch promises a fully realized, captivating record that captures the magic of their long creative voyage.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Black Bananas Announce New Album Bad Bunch: Hear “Turkey Burgers”

    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