Super Extra Bonus Party Return with Scintillating New Single ‘Switzerland’

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Super Extra Bonus Party are a band that will always have a special place in my heart. Not only was their music the soundtrack to a lot of great times, SEBP gigs were always superb, thrilling and often chaotic, and the source of fun times and great memories.

Add to that, they were one of a few Irish bands who did things their own way, not playing the game (whatever the game is) and experimenting without any pretentious bullshit. Needless to say, it was more than a mild disappointment when SEBP parked the project, announcing an indefinite hiatus seven long years ago.

Oh, and in case you’ve missed it, Super Extra Bonus Party have called time on their break with their new single ‘Switzerland’ – and it is a sensational return. It’s not a million miles away from where they left off their criminally underrated second album from 2009, Night Horses. Embracing SEBP’s characteristic strength of live instrumentation meets electronics, it is propelled by a powerful, hypnotic pulsing synth and metronomic beat, injected with meaty guitars, an intense drum machine work-out and all manner of electronic wizardry. ‘Switzerland’ is instilled with an energy that feels electric as it charges forth to a cataclysmic wall of sound. Opting in favour of keeping vocal duties in-house with Gavin Elsted & Stephen Fahey is a revelation too – sublime!

SEBP were always one’s for pushing things, experimenting and avoiding the obvious, safe path. The same can be said for ‘Switzerland’, and I think you’ll agree when I say, it’s great to have them back.

You can get yourself acquainted with ‘Switzerland’ below & the single is out now on 045 Recordings.

Earlier in the week, the band at down with with Headstuff to discuss their feelings about everything that had gone before, read it here – it’s definitely worth some of your time.

Best of 2012: w/ Cormac Brady (DJ/SEBP)

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It’s that time of year when every music website, publication and blog (including this one) are busy compiling end of year lists. This time around, I thought I’d shift the focus to the bands and artist’s who’ve played a ‘BarryGruff Presents’ show this year and ask them for their ‘favourite album of 2012’, ‘favourite song of 2012’ & ‘favourite Irish song of the year’.

Enough chat from me, here’s Cormac Brady (SEBP/DJ extraordinaire) and his picks from the year that was 2012.

Album of the year: El-P – ‘Cancer for Cure’

Cancer for Cure is an intense piece of work, dealing with paranoia, escapism through substance abuse, loss, and ultimately the idea that we, society, are the world’s greatest problem. That’s not to say it’s un-listenable though. This album is a beast, it has enough venom and satire to tackle the subject matter in a manner that leaves you revitalized – this is a fight record, not a whinge. The lyrical delivery is sharp, aggressive and unapologetic, featuring a rake of top emcees that move comfortably within the boundaries of El-P’s dystopia. Killer Mike and Despot weigh in on Tougher Colder Killer, while Danny Brown and Mr Muthafuckin’ eXquire feature on ‘Oh Hail No’, a cleverly titled ode to telling religion and blind allegiance where to shove it – “I’ve been told I was put here to fail, never ask me to hail”

El-P’s skills as a producer take on a new edge with each album he releases, Cancer for Cure hits hard, hi hats rattle in the background as bombastic hits rupture the abrasive synthlines. It’s the type of album you want to play loud as fuck and shove in people’s faces. I can’t write about this album without also mentioning R.A.P Music by Killer Mike. Another incredible album produced by El-P, reminiscent of Bomb Squad and confirming that Killer Mike is the best emcee in hip hop right now. Check it out. Anyway, the reason I picked C4C as my album of the year is because I’ve listened to it the most. Bam.

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Favourite song of 2012: Baauer – Harlem Shake

I didn’t pick this tune on the basis of its poetic endeavor  I could probably re-evaluate my decision here and pick another tune for very different reasons, but I won’t. Times are hard, we all need to lighten the fuck up and party more, this tune sound-tracked some great nights for me this year, so why not pick it? Throw it on loud and jump around with your mates before they all emigrate.

Favourite Irish song of 2012: Knoxville Morning – ‘Lighthouse Song’

The tune I’ve picked here is by my mate Ciaran, released under his Knoxville Morning project. It was the highlight of that record for me. It’s a heartwarming tune sang in an honest way and it speaks of a sanctuary from the madness that we all need.

New Barrygruff Mix from Cormac Brady

From time to time other people are invited to get involved with the blog, in the past we’ve seen some super mixes and guest posts.

On this occasion it is the turn of Cormac Brady (Super Extra Bonus Party) to take the reins (or decks) of power, the results are no-less impressive. He’s put together a splendid eclectic 40 minute mix with tunes from Solar Bears, Cut Chemist, Mount Kimbie & ESG.

There’s a lot of with feel-good vibes, beats and rhythms perfect for the burgeoning summer months.

Props to Cormac for the mix and also to Stevie Moon for more wonderful artwork.

Download: Cormac Brady – Barrygruff Mix

Tracklisting:

1 Daedelus – Order Of The Golden Dawn
2. Solar Bears – Crystalline (Be Again)
3. ESG – Dance
4. MPB4 – Agiboré
5. Cut Chemist – A Peak In Time
6. Flying Lotus – Parisian Goldfish
7. Daedelus – Hrs:Mins:Secs
8. Mount Kimbie – Carbonated
9. Portishead – The Rip
10. Scott Walker – It’s Raining Today
11. Linda Perhacs – Hey, Who Really Cares?