Boom Boom Racoon bursts onto the music scene with their unique blend of punk energy and ska rhythms, delivering a sound that’s both infectious and thought-provoking. This dynamic group has carved a niche for themselves, and their latest album is a testament to their creative spirit and resilience in challenging times. For fans seeking fresh, politically charged music with a DIY edge, Boom Boom Racoon songs offer a compelling listening experience.
A Pandemic Project: The Raw and Real Sound of Boom Boom Racoon
Born from the constraints of the 2020 pandemic, this album from Boom Boom Racoon captures the raw energy of a band eager to share their music despite the limitations. Originally planning a studio album in Hamburg, the band’s plans were disrupted, forcing them to return to the UK. Instead of halting their creative process, Boom Boom Racoon adapted, embracing a DIY approach to recording. This album, recorded in a room with microphones taped to makeshift stands, embodies the spirit of making music for the love of it, a quality that shines through in every track.
This collection isn’t about studio perfection; it’s about capturing the essence of Boom Boom Racoon’s sound – a sound that’s as much about their message as it is about the music itself. Think of it as a musical snack, as they themselves describe it, a taste of what’s to come when they eventually create their “properly slick studio album.” But don’t let the “snack” description fool you; this album is a full meal of engaging and potent songs.
Track-by-Track Exploration: Unpacking the Album’s Highlights
The album features a diverse range of tracks, each showcasing a different facet of Boom Boom Racoon’s musical and lyrical concerns. Here’s a glimpse into some of the standout songs:
Post Anti-Capitalist Anthem
Opening the album with a punch, “Post Anti-Capitalist Anthem” is a direct and humorous critique of consumerism and corporate greed. The lyrics are sharp and witty, highlighting everyday absurdities with lines like, “When we need a piece of paper we take it from the bank / When we need a ballpoint pen we take it from the bank.” This track is a call to question the necessities we’re told we need and the systems that profit from them. It’s a catchy and defiant start that sets the tone for the album.
Turbo Mocha Time
Shifting gears slightly, “Turbo Mocha Time” injects a dose of ska-punk energy into the mix. This song is an ode to a potent, energy-boosting (and perhaps slightly alcoholic) beverage. The lyrics are playful and relatable, describing the need for a pick-me-up when feeling drained. The chant-like chorus and upbeat tempo make it an instantly memorable and fun track. It even offers a non-coffee alternative with “turbo rooibos time,” showing a touch of inclusivity for all listeners.
States and Nations
“States and Nations” delves into more politically charged territory, tackling themes of borders, freedom of movement, and global inequality. The lyrics are impassioned and critical of national divisions, arguing for unity against common enemies. Lines like “STATES AND NATIONS and the borders in between / Created by the people who sit pretty at the top” are powerful and resonate with contemporary discussions about global politics and social justice. This track showcases Boom Boom Racoon’s ability to blend their energetic music with serious and relevant social commentary.
Cages
Continuing the theme of social critique, “Cages” broadens the scope to include animal rights and human exploitation. The song draws parallels between animal commodification and human oppression, with powerful lines such as “Animals are clothing, animals are food / Animals allowed to live only if they’re cute.” The track builds to a powerful crescendo, repeating “WE’RE ALL IN CAGES!” emphasizing the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression. It’s a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant song that encourages listeners to consider broader ethical implications.
Public Service Announcement 2020
Reflecting the times in which it was created, “Public Service Announcement 2020” takes a lighthearted yet essential approach to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a catchy and repetitive chorus of “Wash your hands don’t touch your face!”, the song delivers crucial health advice in a memorable and almost humorous way. It’s a time capsule of a specific moment, capturing the anxieties and adjustments of 2020 through the lens of Boom Boom Racoon’s musical style.
More Than Just Music: A Community and a Message
Boom Boom Racoon is more than just a band; they represent a DIY ethos and a commitment to community. Their album credits highlight collaborations and support from fellow musicians, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in the independent music scene. Special thanks to Olly from Invincible Pigs and Bridget from Viva Zapata! for lending equipment that enabled this recording to happen. This collaborative spirit is central to the band’s identity and resonates with the themes of unity and solidarity found in their lyrics.
Experience Boom Boom Racoon’s Energetic Album Today
This album from Boom Boom Racoon is a vibrant and engaging collection of songs that will appeal to fans of punk, ska, and anyone looking for music with a message. It’s a testament to the band’s creativity and resilience, recorded under challenging circumstances but brimming with energy and passion. Explore the tracks, delve into the lyrics, and discover the compelling sound of Boom Boom Racoon. You can stream and download their music directly from their Bandcamp page, supporting independent artists and their vital voices in the music world. Discover the Boom Boom Boom Song energy for yourself!
Credits:
- All songs performed and recorded by Boom Boom Racoon.
- Mixing by Ivo Johansen and Chris Fishlock.
- Album artwork by Sarah Bland.
- Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Special thanks to Olly from Invincible Pigs and Bridget from Viva Zapata!
