Today, two of the UK’s most intriguing bands emerging from the DIY scene, Strange Bones and Calva Louise have released their first collaborative single “Nine Lives” via FRKST Records. “Nine Lives” is a fast-paced, guitar-heavy track combining elements of alternative rock and pop with a punk attitude, featuring lyrics in both English and Spanish. The track, which is a statement of intent and determination for both bands, was produced in lockdown at the band’s shared creative hub, with Strange Bones frontman Bobby Bentham and Calva Louise’s Jess Allanic splitting songwriting and creative duties.
“Bobby and I decided to create a song that represents a source of new energy for us”, explains Calva Louise vocalist and guitarist Jess Allanic. “‘Nine Lives’ captures our vision in an impeccable way, to honestly say who we are and what we do.”
Strange Bones’ Bobby continues “the track is a tool against threatening ideas, the ones that are constantly involving us in society’s sordid games. We believe we always need to be ready to act with creativity as we feel every blow we receive. Instead of accepting feelings of dismay, as if we’ve been kicked, we realized that we are paying to sacrifice (instead of living) our dreams, so we decided to stay authentic.”
Strange Bones and Calva Louise come as one very loud package. After crossing paths a few years back in the UK’s live circuit, they’ve since formed an indestructible bond which has only strengthened in 2020. Both bands share an HQ, where they’ve utilized lockdown to write new music, create their own cinematic visuals, and sign a double-record deal with FRKST – an imprint of 300 Entertainment (Megan Thee Stallion, The Hunna) ran by Highly Suspect frontman Johnny Stevens. Playing by their own rules, “Nine Lives” is a glimpse of what’s next to come from Strange Bones and Calva Louise in 2021.
With roots in Venezuela, France, and New Zealand, Calva Louise formed in 2016 and released their debut album Rhinoceros in 2019. Their music encompasses a sound as eclectic as their nationalities – clanging indie, dark pop, hypnotic electronica, frenzied punk, dosed with a healthy influence of 80s Sci-Fi soundtracks and visuals. It’s a molotov cocktail that really works, with BBC Radio 1, DIY, Clash, and Rolling Stone Mexico singing their praises.
Comprising of the Bentham brothers – Bobby on songwriting, vocal and production duties, Jack on guitars, and Will on bass – and close friend Nathan Sanderson on drums, Strange Bones grew up on a diet of pure-punk. With this backbone, Strange Bones take influence from artists such as The Prodigy and Death Grips to create a sound that’s full-throttled and unhinged. The four-piece have received plaudits from NME, Rock Sound, Kerrang!, and BBC Radio 1. Their adrenaline-soaked live show is second to none, with highlights including support to Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Reading & Leeds, Download, and Isle Of Wight Festival.