Rebel Kicks are caught between a hard drive and a hard place on their hard-hitting, arena-sized dance-rock single and video Electrophoria — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The title track to the N.Y.C. band’s brand-new EP, Electrophoria is a darkly paranoid, groove-centric track that examines the relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence. To reflect that concept musically, the band combined their indie-rock sensibilities with an electronic soundscape, creating an alluring, shadowy and danceable track. “It’s a song about the decision to accept or deny the inevitable, feeling like you are trapped in a situation that you can’t get out of, while slowly realizing that you may never want to actually leave,” the band explain.
Electrophoria follows the band’s February single Silhouette, an explosive pop anthem that contrasts upbeat musicality with playfully downtrodden lyrics, and their stunning cover of Please Please Me by The Beatles, released to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1963 hit. “As lifelong Beatles fans, we wanted to celebrate the anniversary of this landmark release by recording our own version of the incredible title track,” the band commented.
The story of Rebel Kicks began when Anthony walked into his younger brother Steven’s room and simply said: “Here is a bass and here is a setlist — we have a gig Friday.” Up until then, the brothers had been lifelong musicians, playing and singing harmony with their father — a professional jazz musician — but had yet to find their music. Anthony had a weekly residency doing mostly covers, and Steven hadn’t even figured out what instrument best suited him. The Babino brothers were far away from the distinctive and diversely accomplished musicians they have become.
Since forming in 2018, Rebel Kicks have released the album A Portrait Of Man: Part 1, a live EP, and a string of singles, several of which have been featured on MTV and Showtime. Live, the duo augment their lineup with longtime bandmates Daniel Bradley (drums) and Dorian Lake (keys/vocals). Rebel Kicks have shared bills with artists like Foo Fighters, Blink-182, Mac Miller, Iggy Azalea, Incubus and more.
“We grew up listening to so many genres — jazz, classic rock, Motown, R&B — and with Rebel Kicks we have finally found a project where we can explore our full range,” Anthony says. Steven adds: “It may sound cliché to say this, but life is a journey, and we finally hit upon a sound that reflects our journey.”
Rebel Kicks craft anthemic alternative pop refreshingly infused with social commentary and powerful personal revelation. Signature to the band’s musicality are bold electronic soundscapes, melodic basslines, arena-ready guitar riffs, soaring hooks, and emotive lead vocals, inviting comparisons to modern alt-rock acts such as Grouplove, Portugal. The Man, The Killers and Kings Of Leon.
Anthony and Steven are gifted multi-instrumentalists who often write, record, produce, and play all the instruments on their songs. The duo also welcome collaboration, and have worked with some of the best producers and songwriters in the business, including Abe Dertner (Walk The Moon, MAX), Jeff Blue (Macy Gray, Hoobastank, Korn, Linkin Park), Jason Pennock (2pac, Polyenso, The Pussycat Dolls), Russ DeSalvo (Lou Reed, Celine Dion, Lionel Richie) and Jimmy Greco (Paramore, Santana).
Other highlights in the band’s catalog include the strutting and boldly electronic-textured single Fall Of The American Dream; the futuristic, stadium rocker It’s You, which appeared in the season 10 finale of Shameless; the neo, new wave-flavored We Should Go Missing; and the electric riff-soaked anthem Hamartia.
For Anthony and Steven, Rebel Kicks represent the culmination of a wonderfully winding adventure in music. The band also offer an opportunity for the Babino brothers to do what they love together. “We are a very close family, and it’s been amazing for us to share in making the music that has always lived in us,” Anthony says. Steven adds: “We are best friends, and it’s not lost on me how lucky we are to make a living writing and performing together.”
Watch the video for Electrophobia above, sample the EP below, and join Rebel Kicks at their website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
