“The Punk Pipes Family Gang” Benjaming Band is a Czech band that merges Celtic and punk music. A Pipes & Pints wannabe band? Quite the contrary, the four piece band from Petrikovice pre-dates the band from Prague. In fact, BNB (Benjaming Band) is playing Celtic punk rock since 2003, after having seen The Real McKenzies live. Then it can be said that, if Hungary is the European country with the most original Celtic punk bands (Firkin andPaddy and the Rats), the Czech Republic seems to be bagpipes punk bands mine (Benjaming Band, Pilsner Oiquell and Pipes and Pints).
Those who are familiar with BNB’s previous albums (“Svihak”, 2005 and “Americké Popelnícky”, 2008) will notice some changes. First of all, Lukás (accordion and bagpipes) used to play the local pipes. Now he plays Highland pipes, accordion and mandolin. Secondly, the band has moved to a better studio and therefore the sound quality is better too. And, finally, BNB has recorded a song in English, “Kilt and Bagpipes”.
“Z Hor!” is a good collection of classic rock’n’roll and 77 punk played with electric and traditional instruments. The band members have also improved their musicianship and the album is quite enjoyable. Most of the tracks are band’s originals and only two covers are featured on the album: “Scotland the Brave” (“Scotland the Brave” and “When The Saints Go Marching In” together in one track) and “Jesse James”. Both of them are fine numbers with great pipes, guitar and drums.
Benjaming Band
Z Hor! (2010)
From: Petrikovice, Czech Republic
Benjaming Band
Americké Popelníky (2008)
Benjaming Band
Švihák (2005)
From: Petrikovice, Czech Republic
With the plethora of European bagpipes punk bands singing in English (Pipes and Pints, Bastards on Parade, Black Tartan Clan …) one could think that there is no place for a bagpipes punk band singing in Czech. However, I feel that an honest band like BNB, whose main goal is fun, is worth hearing.
