Bambara

There’s a new Bambara album on the horizon and whilst we’re sworn to secrecy regarding the details of the album for a few more days at least, we have heard it – and it’s fantastic. Off the back of hearing this new material we made moves to secure Bambara for Roadburn 2025; it’s really that good. So, whilst you’ll have to wait a little longer before you, too, can hear this new material in full, it’ll be worth the wait. 

What we can talk about though – fully on the record – is how good Bambara are, as evidenced by their track record to date. If brooding, gothic overtones mixed with noisy and brash post-punk is your vibe, then Bambara is your band. Formed by twin brothers Blaze and Reid Bateh when they joined forces with their school friend William Brookshire, their history stretches back over two decades. Bambara grew out of their evolution into adulthood and has gone from strength to strength in the years since. 

Blaze told us: I had the privilege of playing Roadburn last year with my other band, Sunrise Patriot Motion. I’d always heard great things about it, but experiencing it for the first time was really special. Some festivals can feel a little sterile and isolating, but there was an overwhelming sense of family at Roadburn from the second we got out of the van. Not to mention I ran into so many friends I hadn’t seen in years who were also playing. Saw some killer shows, discovered some sick bands (even though the rest of my band already knew them), even met a few Bambara fans while I was walking around. I can’t wait to be back next year.”

Let Bambara slither into your Friday night schedule for Roadburn; you won’t regret it.

– Becky Laverty